Indian batsman Suresh Raina, who last played for India against England in 2018, believes he can bat at the much-debated No 4 spot for the team in T20Is.
Meanwhile, Raina said he is eyeing a comeback to the national side with two T20 World Cups in successive years, 2020 and 2021.
“I can be the No 4 for India. I have batted in that slot before and delivered. I am looking forward to an opportunity with two T20 World Cups coming up,” the 32-year-old told The Hindu on Thursday.
It is to note that the No 4 batting spot has been a hot topic of discussion for Team India for the last two years. Though Ambati Rayudu was tested in the debated position for some time, he was replaced by Vijay Shankar right before the World Cup in England. And after Shankar got injured, Rishabh Pant replaced him but has failed to impress yet.
Raina, who has scored 5,615 ODI and 1,605 T20I runs, believes the 21-year-old appears to be confused at the moment and someone needs to sit down and talk with him.
“He appears confused, is not playing his natural game. He is looking for singles, blocking, and appears lost,” said the southpaw.
“Someone needs to talk to him as MS Dhoni would do to players. Cricket is a mental game and Pant has to be backed to play his attacking brand of cricket. Right now he seems to be playing under instructions and it is not working,” he added.
Talking about Dhoni, the southpaw said the 38-year-old has a lot to offer to Indian cricket and can prove to be a worthy asset for the team in next year’s World T20.
“He is still fit, still a terrific wicket-keeper and still the greatest finisher in the game. Dhoni will be an asset for India in the T20 World Cup.”
(With inputs from IANS)