Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has questioned skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri for not sealing team’s number 4 slot for the ICC World Cup.
He lambasted Virat Kohli for not backing Ambati Rayudu, who was dropped from the side mid-way during the ODI series against Australia.
“If you want a settled batting order in the World Cup, then the No. 4 has to be decided beforehand and he should be backed completely,” he said.
Gambhir feels team management should have continued with Ambati Rayudu like they did with MS Dhoni when he was going through poor form.
“You have backed others too. You backed MS Dhoni too last year and even Shikhar Dhawan. Ambati Rayudu averages nearly 50 in ODIs, he hasn’t done anything wrong. Failures are part and parcel of the game. You didn’t drop any other player after two or three failures,” said the former India opener.
According to him, too much experimentation could unsettle the team.
“No. 4 should have been a settled position by now. Virat Kohli played the 2011 World Cup at No. 4. Whoever the team management decides to back should be backed to the hilt and they should stay patient with him. It is a very important slot and you can’t have a floater at No 4 because the No. 3 and No. 4 makes the core of your middle order,” he added.