World Cup 2019: For Harbhajan Singh, it’s MS Dhoni who is ideal for No.4 batting position

For many, KL Rahul’s scintillating 108 off 99 balls against Bangladesh in the second warm-up game in Cardiff on Tuesday has settled India’s dilemma over the No.4 batting slot. Rahul’s knock, along with MS Dhoni’s 113 off 78 balls, helped India seal a 95-run win over the opponents after posting a big total of 359 for 7 in 50 overs. However, there are also others who believe that Team India has better options for No.4.

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, for instance, is of the opinion that India should push Dhoni to the key position in the starting XI for the ICC World Cup starting Thursday even though he backed Rahul over Vijay Shankar. Dhoni came in at No.6 to score the blazing century during his he added 164 runs with Rahul to power the team to a strong position.

Turbanator doesn’t want Vijay Shankar at No.4

“I don’t want Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul might be a better no.4 as he’s got a variety of strokes under his belt. And the best thing about watching him bat is when he hits the ball and how his head stays still and focused on the ball. He played so many shots against Bangladesh but you won’t have seen his head wobble a single time,” Harbhajan said.

“But if you ask me who my favourite no.4, who would be? I will say its probably MS Dhoni. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been playing at number six-seven for team India as a finisher under a lot of pressure. Now he should be brought up the pecking order as he has the ability and the experience to come in and hit a six and attack any bowler.”

The 38-year-bowler who has played in three World Cups (2003, 2007 and 2011) and was a member of the champion squad of 2011 led by Dhoni, said every bowler in the world is scared of Dhoni. A member of Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League now, Harbhajan said if a bowler is hit for a six in his very first delivery, his entire mindset for the over changes.

Earlier, too, Harbhajan had remarked that the 37-year-old wicket-keeper-batsman, along with all-rounder Hardik Pandya, should be allowed to play without any pressure during the World Cup. India play their first match in the tournament against South Africa on June 5.