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Former India cricketing sensation Yuvraj Singh, renowned for his explosive batting and all-round skills, has recently shared valuable insights regarding Team India’s batting order for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023. His perspective carries significant weight, particularly when discussing the crucial No. 4 position.
India’s no. 4 conundrum
India have grappled with the challenge of finding a reliable No. 4 batter since Yuvraj’s retirement from international cricket in 2019. The impending 50-over World Cup has intensified discussions on who should assume this critical role in the batting lineup.
Yuvraj Singh’s choice
In an interview with The Week, Yuvraj has advocated for KL Rahul to be entrusted with the responsibility of batting at No. 4 for Team India. The 41-year-old’s endorsement of Rahul stems from his profound admiration for Rahul’s middle-order performances, particularly in the Asia Cup 2023. Yuvraj highlights the Bengaluru-born cricketer remarkable return from injury, marked by a stunning century against Pakistan during the continental cup. This innings showcased Rahul’s resilience and batting talent, firmly establishing his mettle in the middle order.
“India want K.L. Rahul to bat at No. 4 now. They have to give him 15-20 games in that position. In the Asia Cup, coming back from injury, he scored a 100. On a spinning track [in Colombo, against Sri Lanka] he scored a vital 39 runs. He is looking good right now, so they need to stick with him at N0. 4,” Yuvraj said.
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Expectations from the no. 4 role
Drawing from his own experiences, Yuvraj emphasizes the weighty expectations associated with the No. 4 position in India’s batting lineup. Historically, this role has demanded a blend of stability, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure.
“No. 4 is a crucial position, especially if the openers get out cheaply. No. 4 batsman needs to have the technique to leave the ball, play the short ball well, and try and create partnerships,” the Chandigarh-born cricketer concluded.
KL Rahul’s impressive statistics
Rahul’s performances post his return have seen a substantial improvement in his batting statistics. At No. 4, he boasts an outstanding average of 60.13, and at No. 5, his average remains impressive at 50.44. During the Asia Cup, the 31-year-old amassed a total of 169 runs across three innings, achieving a remarkable average of 84.50. His contributions, particularly against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, played a pivotal role in India’s success during the tournament.
