Updated June 30th, 2019 at 11:40 IST
Netizens have all the answers as the 'Number 4' debate reaches a crescendo ahead of India-England World Cup encounter
As the big match looms, cricket fans are battling it out the choice for India's number four position, which has been a point of controversy ever since the World Cup began. While many want to see Vijay Shankar continue playing at the position, a section of Indian fans has been quite vocal about giving a chance to Dinesh Karthik or Rishab Pant, replacing Vijay Shankar.
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As the big match looms, cricket fans are battling it out the choice for India's number four position, which has been a point of controversy ever since the World Cup began. While many want to see Vijay Shankar continue playing at the position, a section of Indian fans has been quite vocal about giving a chance to Dinesh Karthik or Rishab Pant, replacing Vijay Shankar.
Dinesh Karthik was included in the World Cup squad as a reserve wicketkeeper and a potential number four batsman who has the experience of playing in such tournaments. Rishab Pant, on the other hand, was flown in as a replacement for the injured Shikhar Dhawan. Both Pant and Dinesh Karthik have not played a single game yet, as Vijay Shankar continues to feature in the playing eleven in all the games India has played until now in the World Cup.
Fans took to Twitter to voice their opinion on who would resolve India's middle-order woes. Read some of the reactions below:
Some fans believed that Kedhar Jadhav should be given an opportunity as India would require an extra spinner who could be useful in the slow pitch conditions.
Fans also believed that the all-round responsibility can be entrusted with Ravindra Jadeja.
A section of fans, however, kept faith in Vijay Shankar and were of the opinion that he should continue featuring in the playing eleven.
Fans also expressed disdain over Pant and Karthik not been given a chance until now and that Shankar has been given too many chances.
One user humorously suggested Vijay Shankar take over the captaincy while other senior players were rested for the match against England.
Former English batsman Kevin Pietersen tried his hand to mock the Indian team by wittly suggesting to keep Shankar on and give Pant three weeks of preparation time before he could be included in the squad. Here's the tweet:
However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli threw his weight behind Vijay Shankar, as he addressed a press briefing on 29 June. The skipper was of the opinion that Shankar was taking his time to adjust to the game and was playing his natural innings.
India will look to seal a spot in the semi-finals by beating England on 30 June at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
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Published June 30th, 2019 at 10:37 IST