I would go with Surya – Shikhar Dhawan backs SKY to bat at no.4 in World Cup

Indian veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan has backed Suryakumar Yadav to bat at number four in the upcoming ODI World Cup because of the latter’s experience. Though Yadav hasn’t yet delivered the goods in the 50-overs format, Dhawan expects SKY to get the job done in the known Indian conditions.

In 26 ODIs, SKY has scored only 511 runs at an average of 24.33 and thus he will be looking to better his numbers in the ODI format.

Meanwhile, it is well known that SKY can turn the match on its head and he has done so on numerous occasions in the T20I format. India will hope that he replicates the same success in the 50-overs format, especially in the absence of injured KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.

Speaking to PTI, Dhawan opened up on India’s No. 4 conundrum. “I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while,” he said.

On the other hand, Dhawan was dropped from the ODI team after Shubman Gill grabbed his chance at the top of the order. Gill has been in magnificent form in 2023 in the ODI version as he has scored 750 runs in 12 ODI matches at an average of 68.18 and a strike rate of 109.01, including two fifties and three centuries.

Dhawan added he is looking forward to see how Gill performs at the top of the order in the ODI showpiece.

“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,” the 37-year-old said.

On India’s World Cup 2023 chances, he said: “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.”

India will begin their ODI World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.