ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023: Players Who Could Solve India's Number Four Conundrum
Since Yuvraj Singh’s departure from international cricket, no Indian batter has been able to stamp his authority on the number four spot. However, India have certain players in their arsenal who could finally put an end to the much-talked-about number four problem.
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is all set to kick-start on October 5 in India. The inaugural game of the marquee tournament will witness defending champions England lock horns with New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium. As the tournament is getting nearer, teams are narrowing down on their team combination which could help them succeed at the global event. The hosts India are also sweating it out in preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023. However, they have not been able to find an answer to their number four conundrum. Indian Cricket Team Schedule After Asia Cup 2023: Upcoming Team India Matches
Since Yuvraj Singh’s departure from international cricket, no Indian batter has been able to stamp his authority on the number four spot. When India walked into the 2019 World Cup, they did not have a designated number four batter in the team. As we build to the 2023 ODI World Cup, the team management is still trying to find a player who can fill the number spot to perfection. However, India have certain players in their arsenal who could finally put an end to the much-talked-about number four problem.
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has been a run-bank with the bat in the international circuit. He has featured in 42 ODIs and 1631 runs at an average of 46.60. The ace batter has withered the storm when the team has been in trouble and shepherded the innings beautifully. Also, he has swiftly changed gears and put bowlers under the pump. Moreover, Iyer has found success in the number four position in the past. So, as he makes a comeback from a long injury layoff, the team management could count on him to provide stability to the batting line-up.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is one of the finest batters going around in the T20 circuit. He has put up an exhibition of his 360-degree stroke play and destroyed bowling attacks for fun. Though he has not found success in the ODIs thus far, the swashbuckling batter has all the class in the world to establish supremacy in the 50-over format. The team management could back Suryakumar at the number four position in the build-up to the upcoming marquee event and the ace batter could deliver the goods for the side.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been a proven performer in the international arena. He has obliterated bowlers with his marauding bat and has been a match-winner for the Men in Blue in the white-ball formats. He has featured in 54 ODIs and aggregated 1986 runs at an average of 45.13. Though Rahul is a designated opener, the wicketkeeper-batter has shown his prowess to bat in the middle-order in ODIs. Hence, India could slot the stylish stroke maker in the number four position going forward.Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Other Indian Cricketers Pass Yo-Yo Test at Conditioning Camp Ahead of Asia Cup 2023; KL Rahul's Fitness to Be Closely Monitored
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma is one of the exciting prospects in the Indian cricketing circles. He was phenomenal with the bat in the previous two IPL editions and set the stage ablaze with his performances. Courtesy of this, he broke into the Indian team for the T20I series against West Indies. The youngster showed his class in the T20I series and put on a show with the bat. Given Tilak is a southpaw, his inclusion adds versatility to the batting unit. Moreover, he aced the number four position in the T20Is and could be tried in the same role in the 50-over format. Hence, he could be looked at to ease India’s concerns regarding the number four position moving ahead into the ODI World Cup 2023.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2023 10:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).