ICC World Cup 2019: There Is No Debate Surrounding the No. 4 Spot – Shikhar Dhawan
Apr 25, 2019 at 1:56 AM
The debates around the no four batting spot of the Indian National Cricket team have been a hot topic ahead of the squad selection. Now that the selectors have announced the squad, Vijay Shankar is likely to start the tournament as the no four batsman and senior batsman Shikhar Dhawan also echoed the same voice.
There have been a lot of speculations with this batting position ahead of the team selection. The management have tried various options in the past two years but nobody looked invincible in that slot. They have tried the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, and Vijay Shankar but nobody has offered consistency. Shankar earned the berth solely on his ability to contribute in the all the department, said chief selector MSK Prasad. He also added that the Tamil Nadu all-rounder will start the marquee event as the no four batsman.
Speaking on the same lines, Shikhar Dhawan said that everything is crystal clear now. The men in blues also have KL Rahul as a backup option and Dhawan said that they will follow whatever the management decides.
“There is no debate anymore now. There is Vijay Shankar now. Even KL Rahul is there. They are there to play for that number. Whatever the captain and coach think we will go with them.”
Aware of the conditions: Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan was a part of the squad that travelled England to play in the 2013 Champions Trophy and then in 2017. India finished as the winners in 2013 while ended the 2017 edition as the runner-up after losing to Pakistan in the final. Dhawan admitted that they have consistently performed well in England and will hope to continue the same.
The southpaw also added that most of the players are aware of the conditions in England having played there which will be a massive advantage for the 15-member side who will fly to England on April 23.
“We have got a mature and settled side and at the same time, we all know the conditions very well. All the players have visited England earlier and they know what sort of wickets we are going to get and what to expect there. So, that gives a huge advantage for us and for sure we are going to explore it,” added Dhawan.
In conclusion, Shikhar Dhawan added he is looking forward to strike another great partnership with Rohit Sharma and help Virat Kohli & Co bring the glory home. India will start their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa.