4 Contenders for the number four spot in the Indian ODI team

#2 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik averages 38.73 in 18 ODI innings at no 4

While the team management has been looking at Dinesh Karthik as a finisher and making him bat at number 6, it will not be a bad idea to have Karthik occupying the number 4 batting position.

In the Asia Cup which was held last year, the team management persisted with Karthik at number 4 and in 4 innings, he scored 145 runs at an impressive average of around 49.

However, he was not considered for the home series against West Indies and in the recently concluded series against Australia Karthik led India to a win in the second ODI when he scored 25 runs off 14 balls at a strike rate of 178.57.

Interestingly, Karthik has not been considered for selection in the ongoing series against New Zealand despite his impressive batting performances in Australia.

Though Karthik averages 30.91 in 75 ODI innings, his performance at number 4 is impressive. In 18 innings, he has scored 426 runs with 3 half centuries at an average of 38.73.

With Virat Kohli being rested for the last 2 ODIs against the Kiwis, Karthik is likely to find a place in the playing 11 and may be given a chance to bat at number 4.

Karthik has now been around the international cricket scene for 15 years and with his experience, he can be a handy number 4 for team India in the World Cup.