After the game of musical chairs at the number four position in the Indian batting order, Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer cemented his spot at the crucial position with his consistent run of form.
The stylish middle-order batsman, on Tuesday (February 10), toppled the record of former Australian captain Ian Chappell. Iyer holds the highest percentage of 50+ scores in ODIs in a minimum of 10 innings.
With nine scores above 50 in 16 outings, Iyer’s percentage stands above the rest at 56.2%. Earlier, the record belonged to Chappell, who had eight 50+ scores in his 16 innings (50%).
The famous ‘Number Four Conundrum’ came into reckoning after several contenders tried their luck for the coveted position of the batting order.
However, it was Shreyas Iyer who proved to be the best bet for the Indian team as he holds the highest average of 56.8 at the designated slot, amongst other contenders.
The likes of Ajinkya Rahane (35), Dinesh Karthik (52.8), Manish Pandey (36.6), Ambati Rayudu (42.18), MS Dhoni (45), KL Rahul (17) and Rishabh Pant (21) were tried at the position.
Many also believe that chaos regarding the batting number cost them the game at the World Cup semi-finals against New Zealand.
The whole issue escalated when Vijay Shankar was drafted into the side ahead of Rayudu, who featured at the number four slot, one year before the World Cup.
The Indian team previously found it difficult to replace their legendary number four batsman, Yuvraj Singh, who amassed over 3400 runs at the slot, with six tons and 17 half-centuries to his name.
Hopefully, with his recent performances at number four, Iyer silenced critics worldwide to end the perennial debate for good.
