Suresh Raina was dismissed for a golden duck in the T20 World Cup 2016 Group B, Match 19 at Eden Gardens on Saturday. By contrast, Yuvraj Singh scored a crucial 24, while MS Dhoni made an unbeaten 13. This would not have mattered as much had it been a one-off issue, but that has sadly not been the case. Raina has been batting at No. 4 more or less consistently since his return to the national side earlier in the year, but given the recent performances of all three men it is about time for Raina to move down the order. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs Pakistan, ICC World T20 2016, Match 19 at Eden Gardens
Raina’s run of scores since Asia Cup T20 2016 has been 13, 1, 25, 1, and 0. The corresponding numbers for Yuvraj have been 15, 14 not out, 35, 25 not out, 4, and 24. For Dhoni the scores have been 8 not out, 7 not out, 7 not out, 20 not out, 30, and 13 not out. Dhoni has been dismissed only once, and even that was in the match against New Zealand where he was waging a lost battle. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: India vs Pakistan, Group B Match 19 of ICC T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens
Given the way Dhoni has batted recently, it would be logical for him to bat at No. 4, a position he has had his eye on for some time now. Unfortunately, as Dhoni himself has mentioned he does not have a lot of faith on the lower order so he has to hold himself back. However, he seems to have regained his touch enough that he can bat at No. 5 and guide the innings from there. Virat Kohli masterminds 6-wicket chase as India keep World Cup record against Pakistan intact in ICC World T20 2016
With that in mind, getting Yuvraj back to No. 4 — a position he had made his own in ODIs — seems like a good idea. Yuvraj has shown signs of his old form repeatedly over the last month, and has the proven calibre of batting up the order. Yuvraj is the perfect batsman for the position since he can play the waiting game and cash in later on. He has used his experience well while chasing. This was on full display against Pakistan in both the Asia Cup and the World T20. Yuvraj is the ideal No. 4 for the side, and should take over that slot from Raina for the remainder of the T20 World Cup. READ: India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2016, Match 19 at Eden Gardens: Highlights
Raina, meanwhile, does not deserve to be dropped from the side entirely. There is no doubt that Raina has a place in the team that extends beyond his batting. He is by far one of the best fielders in international cricket and is Dhoni’s first-choice part-time spinner ahead of even Yuvraj. However, he has not played an innings of substance since his unbeaten 49 against Australia in the third T20I, and even then his innings came after the top three batsmen had got India off to a flying start. READ: ICC World T20 2007: India beat Pakistan in bowl-out in their first T20 clash
Raina has been one of India’s best finishers over the last few years, and he should continue batting at No. 5 or 6, depending on the situation. He has said in the past that he wants the chance to bat up the order, but with India’s usually dependable openers stumbling, he had to face the new ball quite often since that innings against Australia, and he has had a torrid time. READ: Why MS Dhoni should bat up the order on turning pitches
What is most disappointing is the way he has been picked, often playing unnecessary shots early in his innings. His technique has never been flawless, and he remains suspect against the moving and bouncing ball. If he returns to the familiar No. 6 position he can perform a role he is best suited to.
India have a good chance of making it to the final four. Their confidence would have been shaken after the loss to New Zealand, but the win against Pakistan would have alienated some of the fears. With a few changes to the batting order, India’s batting headaches will be cleared up as well.
(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is an animal lover and comic, film and TV geek. A fast bowler at heart, he enjoys watching a good, low-scoring game of cricket. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)
Written by 
