Cricket World Cup 2019: Vijay Shankar becomes 13th Indian to bat at No 4 in ODIs since 2015

Batting all-rounder became 12th man to bat at two-down for India in ODIs against Afghanistan on Saturday

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That India have had a No 4 problem since the end of the 2015 Cricket World Cup is well documented.

Part of the problem has been the fact India's top order has performed with distinction since then. Shikhar Dhawan, vice-captain Rohit Sharma and captain Virat Kohi have for half a decade taken it upon themselves to score the bulk of the team's runs.

The Hindustan Times recently reported that on average over the past four years, No 4 batsmen across teams have come in to bat in the 15th over with their team total being 75-2. In India's case during this period, No 4 batsmen have tended to come in during the 21st over with the score 110-2.

This means whoever has occupied the position has had relatively less time to settle down, a different set of circumstances and - consequently - a different role to that of a conventional two-down player. Compounding the situation has been the management's tendency to experiment with the position and leave enough room for flexibility.

One also cannot discount the gradual decline of the now-retired Yuvraj Singh's form as another reason for the musical chairs.

Whatever the reasons, not one player has been able to make the position his own. In fact, India have sent 13 players in since the end of the 2015 World Cup, with batting all-rounder Vijay Shankar the latest occupant for Saturday's game against Afghanistan at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Find out who the 13 players are by scrolling through the photo gallery above. To move on to the next position, click the arrows on the photo, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.

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