World Cup 2019: Wasim Jaffer hopes Ambati Rayudu to take no.4 spot after Shikhar Dhawan’s injury

India had a terrific start to their campaign in World Cup 2019 as they beat South Africa and Australia in their first two games. However, the pleasant mood suffered a big setback when it was revealed that ace opener Shikhar Dhawan would be out of the showpiece event for at least three weeks. Dhawan, who hit a match-winning century against the Australians at the Oval on Sunday, had a fractured thumb after being hit by Aussie pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile. It was a body blow to Virat Kohli’s men just when they looked to gain momentum.

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer said in a tweet that the southpaw’s injury was indeed a big one and hoped that Ambati Rayudu would have his chance now. Rayudu was set to play in the World Cup but a poor form in 2019 saw him eventually missing out. Vijay Shankar, who made his ODI debut in Australia earlier this year, was Rayudu’s replacement. There was an also a “3D” controversy over Rayudu’s exclusion and Jaffer even made a mention of that in his tweet jokingly.

Massive setback to #teamindia with inform @SDhawan25 going to miss at least 3weeks with fractured thumb. I hope @RayuduAmbati gets a look in for number 4 position????????
Time for him to play then watch with his 3D glasses????????????

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 11, 2019

Jaffer jokes about ‘3D glasses’ as well

During the inclusion of Vijay in place of Rayudu, chief selector MSK Prasad had said that the former was picked because of his “three-dimensional” abilities with the bat, ball and also as a fielder. A disappointed Rayudu had then taken to Twitter to make a sarcastic remark. He said he would order for “3D glasses” to watch the World Cup.

The board was considerate of Rayudu’s disappointment and hadn’t taken any step over his sarcasm. He was also kept as a standby along with Rishabh Pant and a few others. The 40-plus cricketer said it is time for Rayudu to play in the World Cup and then watch with his “3D glasses”.

Rayudu was India’s original man for the No.4 position in the batting order. But his ordinary form in 2019 saw Vijay getting picked for the same position. However, Vijay’s less experience and also a worrying form in the Indian Premier League and a late injury saw KL Rahul getting the nod. He scored an impressive hundred in the warm-up match against Bangladesh but didn’t score much in India’s opening game against South Africa.

Against Australia, Hardik Pandya has promoted up the order as Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Kohli had given India a solid foundation.