Even as the debate on whether Vijay Shankar was the right pick for India’s no.4 slot at the upcoming World Cup refuses to die down, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has a different take on the whole issue.
Speaking on the sidelines of a promotional event in theCapital, the former all-rounder said that with batsmen often playing atdifferent positions for both their national teams as well as T20 franchises,they are all well-suited to bat in different positions.
“After seeing the T20s you can’t even say for sure whois an opener and who is a no. 4 batsman. Now the mindset is anybody can playanywhere. In today’s world, if you assign a number to a batsman it feelsstrange apart from an opener. And even openers are sent out at a differentposition many a times,” Kapil said.
Shankar was chosen ahead of Ambati Rayudu by the selectorsin April for the World Cup as chairman of selectors M.S.K. Prasad had said thatShankar provides a “three dimensional” option due to his ability withthe ball.
Moving forward, the former captain was asked about hisopinion on the chemistry between India captain Virat Kohli and M.S. Dhoni.Kapil said that while the pair have been successful, any chemistry would comenaturally because they are playing for their country.
“It looks like they have done extremely well which isgreat for India. As far as chemistry goes, all the players should understandthat they are playing for their country and so no other thought should come intheir heads. It’s not a husband-wife relation that you need a chemistry. Youare playing under the flag of the country,” said Kapil.
Kapil also praised India’s pace department and opined thatthe conditions on offer in England should suit them. “I think they arefantastic. They have (Mohammed) Shami and (Jasprit) Bumrah who can bowl at145-plus speeds. They can swing the ball also and so this is a very goodcombination that we have,” the 60-year-old said. Kapil expects India to finish at least in thetop four and hopes to see England and Australia there as well. However, thefourth team can be a pick between a number of contenders he feels.