India will have an important selection decision to make ahead of their upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning September 27. With Shreyas Iyer unavailable due to his Asian Games commitments, the team management will need to identify a suitable replacement at the crucial No. 4 position.
The No. 4 batter often plays a key role in shaping an ODI innings, particularly after the openers have laid the foundation. India have several players capable of handling the responsibility, but three names stand out as potential options for the role.
3 players who can bat at number 4 for India in Shreyas Iyer’s absence
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad could be one of the most interesting choices to replace Iyer in the middle order. Although he has predominantly operated as an opener, his batting technique and temperament could allow him to adapt to the demands of No. 4. The team management could use this series to assess Gaikwad’s ability to bat in a position different from his usual role. His ability to build an innings without taking unnecessary risks makes him a potentially useful option in the middle overs.
Gaikwad is also capable of playing both pace and spin with control. His strike rotation can help maintain momentum during the middle phase, while his ability to accelerate later in the innings gives India another dimension. A move to No. 4 could therefore provide Gaikwad with an opportunity to demonstrate his versatility and strengthen his case as a flexible batting option for India.
2. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is another strong candidate for the position, particularly given his experience in India’s ODI setup. The vice-captain has operated in several batting positions throughout his international career and has previously handled the No. 4 role. Rahul has become particularly valuable as a middle-order batter and wicketkeeper in recent years. His ability to adapt according to the match situation makes him a natural candidate if India want a proven player to take responsibility in Iyer’s absence.
Promoting Rahul to No. 4 could also allow India to maintain greater stability in the middle order. He can take his time if early wickets fall but also increase the scoring rate once he gets settled. His experience could be especially useful if India find themselves in difficult situations during the series. Rather than making a drastic change to the batting structure, the management could rely on Rahul’s versatility to fill the vacant position.
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3. Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel presents a different possibility for India. Rather than opting for another established top-order batter, the team management could use the series to give Jurel greater responsibility in the batting lineup. Jurel has earned attention for his composure and ability to handle pressure. His approach could make him an interesting candidate for No. 4, particularly if India want a batter capable of maintaining an aggressive tempo through the middle overs.
One of Jurel’s biggest advantages is his ability to rotate the strike while also finding boundaries when opportunities arise. His skills against spin could prove particularly valuable in the middle overs, when ODI innings often require batters to balance risk and run-scoring. His wicketkeeping ability also gives India additional flexibility. If Rahul is used primarily as a batter or moved around the order, Jurel can provide another option behind the stumps.
