Aakash Chopra made this observation considering the plethora of T20I matches that the Indian team might be playing in the near future, the performances in which might form the basis of ODI selections as well.

While sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra talked about how the No.4 conundrum started in the Indian team and the way forward to resolve the issue.

Aakash Chopra highlighted that four players have played more matches than Shreyas Iyer at No. 4 since July 2015, but none of them got to play even 20 matches at that position. These 5 players, including Shreyas Iyer, are among a list of 14 players who have been tested at the No.4 position.

Aakash Chopra observed that because of these constant changes, India did not have a reliable No. 4 batsman at the 2019 World Cup.

The reputed commentator analysed the performances of the batsmen who had scored the most runs at No. 4 since July 2015 and questioned why they were not persisted with.

Aakash Chopra first brought up the case of Ambati Rayudu who was given opportunities a few months before the World Cup and dumped just before the prestigious tournament, although he had done quite well.

Aakash Chopra then talked about Ajinkya Rahane, who is the second-highest run-scorer for India at No.4 since July 2015, but was dropped from the team even though he was performing well.

Aakash Chopra warned that even though the team management has mentioned that Shreyas Iyer has sealed his spot at No. 4, it is not a certainty as a similar thing was said about Rayudu before the World Cup.

Aakash Chopra added that Yuvraj Singh might also feel wronged as he had performed creditably in 2017, but was also dumped unceremoniously.

Aakash Chopra also questioned why MS Dhoni was not sent up the order at the 2019 World Cup and was even made to bat as low as No.7.

Aakash Chopra also brought up the case of Dinesh Karthik, whose performances were not bad either.

Aakash Chopra on the likelihood of Shreyas Iyer’s T20I performances defining his place in India’s ODI team

Aakash Chopra hoped that Shreyas Iyer is given consistent opportunities at No. 4 in ODI cricket, while expressing concern that the T20I performances of players might affect the selection of the Indian ODI team.

Aakash Chopra added that the No. 4 position in T20Is is up for grabs, with Manish Pandey, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant the other contenders.

Aakash Chopra iterated that although Shreyas Iyer has sealed his spot in ODIs at the moment, an exceptional performance by someone else in T20Is could change the narrative.

Aakash Chopra mentioned that even Zaheer Khan had opined that a batsman should be given at least 30 innings to make a case for himself.

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