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India’s longstanding conundrum surrounding the No. 4 batting position has resurfaced as the country prepares for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023. The memory of their struggles in the 2019 World Cup in England still lingers, and with uncertainties regarding Shreyas Iyer’s fitness, the hunt for a suitable candidate for the pivotal slot intensifies.
Currently, the race for the coveted No. 4 position in India’s ODI lineup is between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, two players who have displayed their cricketing prowess on various occasions. The impending decision has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike, as it holds the potential to shape India’s fortunes in the upcoming tournament.
Amidst this backdrop and , seasoned opener Shikhar Dhawan, a stalwart of Indian cricket, has voiced his preference for Suryakumar to occupy the crucial No. 4 spot. Dhawan’s choice is anchored in Suryakumar’s wealth of experience in international cricket, a factor that could provide much-needed stability to the middle order.
In an interaction with PTI, Dhawan shared his thoughts on India’s persistent No. 4 dilemma, saying, “I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while.”
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However, Suryakumar’s track record in one-day cricket has left room for improvement. In 26 matches, he has accumulated 511 runs at an average of 24.33. Despite this, Suryakumar’s potential and adaptability in different situations cannot be undermined.
Recently, Suryakumar candidly acknowledged his modest ODI statistics, affirming that he takes no shame in admitting his room for growth in the format.
“We will have the home advantage”: Dhawan
Dhawan further exuded optimism about India’s prospects in the forthcoming tournament. “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,” he stated confidently.
As India’s cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the final decision on the No. 4 position, all eyes will be on how the team management addresses this long-standing puzzle and navigates the challenges of formulating a balanced and effective batting lineup for the World Cup amid injuries to Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
