MUMBAI: While there have been umpteen suggestions on who should take up India’s No. 4 batting spot at the World Cup, former captain Kapil Dev does not believe the concept of slots applies in modern-day cricket.
“There’s a lot of talk going on about No. 4, but you have to see the situation at that moment,” Kapil said at an event. “I don’t think anybody these days have numbers [fixed positions in the line-up] - need of the hour is more important. You can send MS Dhoni, or anybody. No. 1 to 7 are all good enough to play there. One should not get confused. Play like you want to win the match and don’t go by the number. It should depend on the situation of the match.”
Though he has been backed by various pundits, Rishabh Pant might not be a certainty to make the XI, but Kris Srikkanth expected the wicketkeeper-batsman to make the cut, pointing to his match-winning abilities.
“Rishabh Pant almost won a Test match from a no-win situation in England [The Oval Test, 2018],” Srikkanth, who also attended the event, pointed out. “You need to give him confidence. In my days, Kapil gave me that freedom. Like that Rishabh Pant should be given the freedom to play; he’s capable of winning at least three matches single-handedly.”
Kapil, however, felt upcoming wicketkeeper-batsmen have a lot more to prove that they are dependable, especially considering that Dhoni has set high standards playing that role. “Dhoni has set the standard so high. They [other wicketkeeper-batsmen] have the ability and talent. Only the execution over a period of time is needed and it won’t happen overnight,” Kapil said.
While speaking of the importance of all-rounders, Kapil also said that Dhoni was on top of his list. “Is a batsman-bowler the only all-rounder? You can now say even a wicketkeeper is an all-rounder. The meaning of all-rounder has changed. It’s not just about a batsman who makes runs and takes wickets,” he argued.
“Wicketkeeper should also be on this list. That way, Dhoni comes in very high. If you’re good in two departments - any two departments - everyone will come under that if you include fielding.”