"After Yuvi, nobody…": Rohit Sharma opens up on India's struggle for No. 4 slot in ODIs

Amidst the No. 4 position debate, Rohit Sharma has broken his silence ahead of the WC team announcement.

As the ODI World Cup 2023 inches closer, the Indian cricket team find themself in a difficult spot with a persisting issue at the no. 4 batting position. In a candid admission, Captain Rohit Sharma accepted that since the departure of Yuvraj Singh, no player has successfully cemented that position. This concern adds a layer of uncertainty to India’s prospects in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup as they strive to find stability and consistency in their lineup.

The No. 4 position has been a puzzle that Team India has struggled to solve, reminiscent of their campaign in the 2019 World Cup. Yuvraj Singh’s retirement left a void that successive players have failed to fill. The current situation raises doubts about the team’s ability to establish a balanced and reliable batting order, a crucial component for a successful campaign on the world stage.

Rohit Sharma, speaking on the subject, acknowledged the persistent challenge, saying, “Look, No. 4 has been an issue for us for a long time. After Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh), nobody has come and settled themselves in. But, for a long period of time, Shreyas (Iyer) has actually batted at No. 4, and he has done well; his numbers are really good.”

Rohit Sharma emphasized the impact of injuries on the team’s batting lineup

He highlighted the promising performance of Shreyas Iyer, who exhibited commendable numbers during his stint at No. 4. Iyer’s return from injury brought a glimmer of hope, but his intermittent absence over the last few years has contributed to the team’s instability.

“Unfortunately, injuries have given him a bit of trouble; he has been out for a while, and that is honestly what has happened in the last 4-5 years. A lot of these guys have gotten injured, and you will always see a new guy coming and playing there,” he said.

This consistent rotation of players due to injuries has prevented the team from establishing a settled unit, leading to fluctuations in performance and undermining their overall cohesion.

Reflecting on the broader issue, Sharma noted, “The percentage of injuries that have happened in the last 4-5 years is massive. When the players get injured or are not available, you try doing different things with different players that is what I have to say about No. 4.”

This revolving door of players at the No. 4 position has hindered the team’s ability to build partnerships and capitalize on crucial moments in matches.

“Even before, when I was not the captain, I was watching no? There were so many guys who came in and went out. But injuries kept them away or they were not available or someone lost form,” he concluded.

As India prepare to host the ODI World Cup, the uncertainty surrounding the No. 4 spot remains a significant concern. Yuvraj Singh’s remarkable contributions in the past have cast a long shadow, making his absence deeply felt.

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