Debate over India’s No.4 batsman in World Cup over, says Shikhar Dhawan
He also admitted that both the openers have to play a key role for the team in the World Cup.
The selection of India’s 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup fuelled the debate over the No.4 batsman. The Men in Blue have been struggling to find a batsman worthy to man the key batting position in the World Cup. Although the team management had been backing Ambati Rayudu to do the job for the last several months, his off form this year eventually saw him losing the race to Vijay Shankar, an inexperienced player who has impressed with his recent form.
While opinions are still divided over the selection of Vijay as the No.4 batsman since he hasn’t batted in that position ever, senior Indian team member Shikhar Dhawan feels the debate over the matter is a thing of the past now. Dhawan, who is having a good run with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League for Delhi Capitals (DC) and is confident of delivering in the upcoming World Cup.
“There is no debate anymore. There is Vijay Shankar, even KL Rahul is there in the team. Whatever the captain and coach think, we will go with them,” Dhawan was quoted as saying by Times of India.
There is Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul
India’s chances in the WC will be depending on the success of their opening pair of Dhawan and Rohit Sharma and the 33-year-old Dhawan is eyeing to leave a positive mark again.
“The left-right combination gives us a lot of advantage because the bowler doesn’t get settled that easily. At the same time, Rohit and myself have been performing very well for the past few years. The bowler has to change his line and length according to the batsman and above that we both are attacking players,” Dhawan said, adding that their experience allows them to get into the bowlers’ mind and unsettle their rhythm.
The left-hander is currently the fifth highest scorer in this IPL with 401 runs from 11 matches at an average of 40 and strike rate of 137. He has hit four fifties in the tournament with the highest score of 97 not out.
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