India may have found their number 4 batsman in Ambati Rayudu but they are still looking for their best number 5 batsman in odi's. They have tried a few and it is only becoming difficult for them to choose as everyone is performing well. With less than 8 months to go for the world cup, India has to make a choice. They have tried numerous players, the prominent ones being Dinesh Karthik, M S Dhoni, Kedhar Jhadav and Manish Pandey. While all of them have done very well by scoring runs but it remains to be seen what type of player the Indian selectors want to slot in there.
CONTENDERS
KEDHAR JHADAV
While most of the times, Kedhar Jhadav has been preferred over the others because of his ability to roll the arm as well but after his injury, he is finding it difficult to cement a place in the squad. India has been following a policy of swapping different players at number 5 and Kedhar Jhadav looks to be a very strong contender. Apart from his batting, he is useful with the ball as well and is often seen breaking partnerships. Keeping this in mind India might stick to him as they will have an option of 6th bowler in him if someone among the main bowlers takes a pounding.
M S DHONI
M S Dhoni has been seen playing at both 5 and 6 but he is better suited at number 6 as he has been more successful at this spot. While he has been the backbone of Indian cricket for a decade now but his form has been dipping lately and I won't be surprised if he makes way for some other player who has been scoring runs consistently at international or domestic level. Even if he manages a place in the squad, I would slot him at number 6.
MANISH PANDEY
Manish Pandey is another candidate for this slot and he has done very well in the little chances given to him. Manish Pandey is one of the prolific strikers of the ball and has been scoring runs consistently at the domestic level as well as in IPL. I believe Manish Pandey is better suited for number 4 position which has been almost cemented by Ambati Rayudu.
DINESH KARTHIK
Dinesh Karthik is perhaps the most deserving candidate and he brings loads and loads of experience with him. Apart from being an excellent batter, he is also a very good keeper. He has recently evolved as a finisher and has been playing responsibly. It all started in Hero Nidahas Trophy where India needed 23 in the last over and Karthik took them home hitting a six of the last ball. He will always be known for that knock of 29 runs off 8 deliveries. He was given the responsibility of captaining Kolkata Night Riders in this year's IPL and he scored 498 runs at an average of around 50.
I would definitely go with D. K as he has done enough to be given a chance. He has all the experience apart from being a very good batsman and recently discovering the role of a finisher. Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments section.
Comments