The Indian cricket team have had a very professional world cup so far, winning all the matches they played except the washed out game against New Zealand. The bowling and fielding have been up to the mark with every match throwing up a new hero. Except for a drop catch here or there, the fielding unit has shown great intensity, even the fast bowlers who in fact have been very safe catchers.The bowling, revolving around Jasprit Bumrah has fired when needed most and has generally been great at executing plans and sticking to good lines and lengths. If there’s anything that is slightly concerning, it is the batting and more so, the middle order dilemma. Pretty much the only box left un-ticked, the No.4 slot is still up for grabs due to KL Rahul’s promotion to the top of the order thanks to Shikhar Dhawan’s unfortunate injury. Vijay Shankar seemed to be the perfect fit for No.4 because of the fact that he provides that 6th bowler option too. However though, in the 3 matches so far, Shankar has seemed to struggle a bit, especially in terms of strike rotation and just playing second fiddle to Virat Kohli. Taking into consideration the fact that the summers are starting to get warmer in England, there will be no surprises if Vijay Shankar is dropped. The reason: the warmer it gets, the lesser the need for that extra seam bowling option. Vijay Shankar has been given a decent run but he has failed to convert his starts and that could prompt the team management and think tank to opt for a proper batsman in either Dinesh Karthik or the young, explosive Rishabh Pant. What this also adds is a new dimension to the middle order because both Pant and Karthik are sweet timers of the ball and generally don’t take much time to get the scoreboard ticking. Apart from this, Virat can also use both these batsmen as floaters in the batting line up and hence making it easier to play various match scenarios. Vijay Shankar might still be given an extended run but if not, Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik are definitely going to get a game or two.
(Image Courtesy: Dainik Bhaskar)
Indian Cricket 
Let’s make a case for Vijay Shankar(only because of the scrutiny he is under). Played three matches (PAK,AFG and WI). Didn’t start of well with PAK on the batting end but finished with 15* with a strike rate of 100. Made a huge difference with the bowl by picking up 2 wkts(eco rate-4.12). Against AFG he made 29(41 balls). Played a get away shot of sorts and got out lbw. Got out at the wrong time BUT wasn’t playing all that bad compared to what some other batsmen played(except virat of course) and against WI he scored 14(19 balls). I would personally say that he was done by a very good ball but people may have different views so let that be. He also hadn’t bowled a single over in the latter two games he played.
The reason for criticism isn’t because he can’t bat or because “he doesn’t have the talent” or “he isn’t a finished good” but that way except for Dinesh Karthik who is sitting outside even rishab pant isn’t a “finished good” the main reason he is being criticised for is his intent while batting. He looks touchy and nervous and does not look to score. At least that’s what the critics say because there is a player like rishab pant who is sitting outside and someone who doesn’t need time(again as per critics). BUT if you look at the balance of the side it’s brilliant! Two openers who can either go on bashing the bowl all over or take time and then comes the captain who has looked splendid this WC and then Shankar who plays Exactly how a no.4 Should. Except for the fact that he may take time right when he gets into the crease but you gotta give him some slack. He almost makes it up if he bats deep with that he also has bowling in his hand which the team wouldn’t need all the time but he’s always someone you can get back to if they need him.
I would honestly have picked Dinesh Karthik over Shankar just because of experience but if you got a player in you should give me a chance or two to just give him time in the middle.
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Totally agree with your point of view too but considering the fact that India is doing really well, it wouldn’t do any harm to play Pant or Karthik to see if that helps the batting a little because the need for Shankar the bowler is only going to reduce because the pitches are going to get drier and more spin friendly!
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