There are enough players who can bat at no. 4 during World Cup: Ravi Shastri

Tags: Cricket World Cup 2019, India, Team Squad

Published on: May 15, 2019

With the IPL over, the focus now shifts to the World Cup where Virat Kohli and his men will be raring to go. India coach Ravi Shastri too feels that India have most bases covered, which makes them one of the favourites.

A number of players from the current Indian squad were part of the IPL, so the fatigue factor may be a concern for some. The injury to Kedar Jadhav as well as the loss of form of Kuldeep Yadav are a couple of other issues to look at.

However, coach Shastri says he isn't worried about any of the above aspects. "It doesn't worry me at all. In-fact I am totally blanked out from that. When the flight takes off on the 22nd, we will see who are the 15 on that. Yeah? And just take it from there," Shastri said in an interview on Cricketnext.

"I don't think there's anything to resolve. It's just soaking in the atmosphere, believing in the combinations that we will plan and decide going into those practice games as a lead up to the World Cup and believe in that," added Shastri.

There has been heavy debate over the number four slot and, at one point it seemed that Ambati Rayudu had clinched the position. However, a steady loss of form meant he did not find a place in the final 15 for the World Cup.

Shastri however has a different take on the issue. "For me we are a flexible team. It’s horses for courses, we have got enough ammunition there, enough players who can bat at 4. So, I am not really worried about that," Shastri said.

"I think we have got all bases covered, really. The last thing you want is passengers on the tour. You want to have in those 15 players a player who can play anytime, at any given time. He shouldn't be in the 15 and could be called upon only if there is an injury," he went on to add.

The 2019 World Cup starts on May 30 with hosts England taking on South Africa in the opening game at The Oval. India face South Africa in their opening game on June 5.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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