ICC World Cup 2019: Possible replacements for Ambati Rayudu
The ICC World Cup 2019 is around the corner and the Indian team is busy selecting the best team for the competition. As for the batting, the top-order is set, but the middle-order looks a little unsure. Further, the position of Ambati Rayudu is still uncertain. Let us analyze his possible replacements in case he fails to make it to the squad.
A handy opener and also a back up wicket-keeper
Although a reliable opener, KL Rahul's ODI performance is under the scanner. Having played 13 ODIs, he has scored 317 runs at an average of 35.22, including a century and a half-century, while his highest score is an unbeaten 100. However, he is yet to be tested in England, where he has played just two ODIs, scoring a total of nine runs.
Another wicket-keeper batsman who can be deadly in the middle-order
Veteran wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik has been making the headlines since last year. Mostly suited for the shortest format, Karthik can still dominate in ODIs, especially at the death, owing to his power-hitting skills. While he has an average of 31.03 in ODIs from 91 games, his performance in England is not as convincing, as he has an average of 22.14 from 13 games.
A young blood with immense power-hitting skills
There seems to be no shortage of wicket-keeper batsmen in India as youngster Rishabh Pant is also one of the contenders. Having dominated in T20Is and Tests, Pant has a good chance of ruling in the ODIs. Pant has played only three ODIs, and he needs more chances to make an impact. Nonetheless, with an average of 29.96 in List-A, he can replace Rayudu.
The new all-round sensation
Vijay Shankar has made a fair impact in seven ODIs he has played in Australia, New Zealand and India to date. He has scored 123 runs at a healthy average of 41, while his highest score is 46. Although he is yet to prove himself with the ball, playing as a batting all-rounder or specialist batsman in place of Rayudu won't hurt India.
Ain't no stopping Kedar Jadhav
Overall, the right guy to take Rayudu's place in the current squad is none other than Kedar Jadhav. With a brilliant average of 44.80 in 57 ODIs and 48.05 in 148 List-A matches, Jadhav can be the back-bone of the middle-order. Moreover, he also has a decent average of 34 in five ODIs in England, making him the perfect guy to replace Rayudu.
