No.4: Sri Lanka ODI’s Achilles’ heel?
“We have a problem with No.4 and we are looking at bringing back Sadeera Samarawickrama,” Tharanga was quoted as saying.
It’s a problem that has persisted for years, ever since two of Sri Lanka’s greatest batsmen, Aravinda de Silva and Mahela Jayawardene, hung up their boots. Both men made the No.4 position their own, setting standards that no successor has yet come close to replicating. When de Silva retired, Jayawardene took over the mantle seamlessly but since Jayawardena’s departure, the void has remained.
De Silva, one of the greats of the game, brought a fearless and aggressive style to the role, often changing the course of matches with counter-attacking innings under immense pressure. His heroics during the 1996 World Cup, especially in the semi-final against India and the final against Australia, were masterclass performance that defined Sri Lanka’s cricketing future. He scored 6,780 runs at an average of 39.25 from 197 innings at No.4, a true testament to his dominance at this crucial position.
On the other hand, Jayawardene played with greater composure and tactical nuance. He was a great accumulator of runs, building his innings with cleaver strike rotation, strong partnerships, and regularly finishing games. His 6,947 runs at 35.08 from 219 innings at No.4 gave Sri Lanka over a decade of stability and reliability in the middle order qualities the team has sorely missed in recent years.
Despite trying dozens of players since Jayawardene’s retirement, none have consistently made the role their own. As Sri Lanka begins to prepare for future ICC tournaments, solving the No.4 conundrum remains a priority. Tharanga’s comments suggest the selectors are actively seeking a long-term solution that can provide the game sense, temperament, and consistency that de Silva and Jayawardene once offered.
Unlike in the 1990s and early 2000s, the modern ODI No.4 must thrive in a far more dynamic environment. Batters today are expected to shift gears effortlessly, moving from defence to attack in a matter of deliveries. The role often requires facing the new ball when early wickets fall, or accelerating rapidly in favourable conditions.
Since Jayawardene’s retirement, Sri Lanka’s struggle in this area has been painfully obvious. A decade of inconsistency has led to middle-order collapses in crucial games and failed run chases that should have been routine wins. It’s one of the main reasons Sri Lanka have largely just made up the numbers in during global tournaments in last decade.
Sadeera Samarawickrama:
A glimmer of hope?
Of all the contenders for the No.4 slot, Sadeera Samarawickrama perhaps presents the most balanced option. His form in 2023 was outstanding, scoring 850 runs in 22 ODI innings at an average of 44.73 and a strike rate of 96.48, aligning perfectly with the demands of the modern game. His century and six half-centuries weren’t just statistics but an indication of a potential solution to a problem that has plagued the team for years.
However, in 2024, Samarawickrama experienced a significant dip in form, leading his axing from the side. He managed just 273 runs from 16 innings at a disappointing average of 19.50 during this period. Such a stark contrast in performance raises serious questions about his consistency and mental resilience to be a successful No.4 batter.
Dinesh Chandimal:
A veteran presence
In contrast, Dinesh Chandimal brings with him a wealth of experience. With 157 ODIs under his belt and over 3,800 career runs, Chandimal has long been viewed as a steadying presence. Specifically at No.4, he has scored 2,387 runs from 76 innings at an average of 35.62, a record that reflects a solid performer.
Chandimal’s strength lies in his ability to navigate difficult match situations. When early wickets fall, his calm demeanour and solid technique offer the kind of stability needed to rebuild an innings.
However, the evolution of ODI cricket has left his style somewhat behind. His career strike rate of 73.55 at No.4, acceptable a decade ago, feels increasingly outdated in an era where 300+ totals are now the norm. Even players in anchoring roles are expected to score at a quicker rate.
Adding to this is his absence from ODI cricket since mid-2022, raising doubts about his match readiness. At 35, any investment in Chandimal would be short-term at best.
Kamindu Mendis:
A long-term bet
The youngest of the trio, Kamindu Mendis, represents the long-term option. At 25, he fits the ideal age profile for someone around whom Sri Lanka could build their middle order for the future. His record at No.4 is currently modest — 171 runs from nine innings at an average of 19.00, but there are glimpses of potential. Against Bangladesh, however, he struggled, posting scores of 0, 33 and 16 underwhelming efforts that led selectors to recall Samarawickrama.
After years of muddle solutions, the selectors have reached a critical moment where they have to decide whether to continue cycling through short term fixes or commit to nurturing a long term solution. The No.4 role requires more than occasional runs, it demands a player who can grow into the role, withstand its pressures, and eventually make it their own. The future of Sri Lanka’s middle order hinges on getting this call right. The talent is there. What’s needed is clarity, commitment, and courage.