Team India veteran opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has backed Suryakumar Yadav to play at No. 4 in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
As the ODI World Cup 2023 edges closer, finding the right playing XI combination for the Indian cricket team is turning into a significant concern for the management. Challenges arise as the team grapples with identifying a suitable batter for the Number 4 position, primarily due to multiple injury setbacks. With the global tournament just two months away, uncertainties loom over the availability of key players Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Seasoned India opener Shikhar Dhawan has thrown his support behind Suryakumar Yadav to occupy the crucial No. 4 spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Notably, Shreyas Iyer is still on the road to recovery from a back injury, and his return to professional cricket remains uncertain. Presently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, with a decision about his participation in the World Cup expected soon.
Given this uncertain scenario, Dhawan suggests that the team management should seriously consider placing Suryakumar Yadav at the No. 4 position, considering his valuable experience. Intriguingly, while Suryakumar Yadav has been a standout performer in T20Is, he has yet to replicate the same impact in ODIs. Nevertheless, Dhawan stands by him for this role and is keen to observe the performances of both Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming mega tournament.
“I would go with Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while. Also, really looking forward to seeing how Shubman Gill does in the World Cup. Another batter to watch out for will be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally well in the last World Cup,” Dhawan was quoted as saying by India Today.
Shikhar Dhawan On India’s Chances Of Winning The ODI World Cup 2023
The 37-year-old also thinks that India currently boasts a good mix of both seasoned and young players.
The know-how of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli will be valuable, while emerging talents like Ishan Kishan and Gill can make a strong impact. He also mentioned that since the tournament is happening in India, the players will be quite familiar with the playing conditions.
“We have got a very good side which has the right blend of experience and youth. We will have the home advantage. We know the grounds and pitches and that is going to come in very handy,”
“It is important to be productive. We live quite a high-paced life, especially when you are playing all formats like I used to at one point. Now I have enough time, so I keep myself involved with my business interests.” Dhawan concluded.
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