Ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has suggested the Indian team management to bat KL Rahul at the crucial No.4 slot in the showpiece tournament.

During the Asia Cup 2023, Rahul made his comeback to the team after recovering from thigh surgery and he instantly made an impact, scoring 169 runs from three innings at an average of 84.50, including an unbeaten century in the Super 4 clash against Pakistan while batting at No. 4.

Since his return, Rahul has also batted at No. 5 and produced good results for the team. While the wicketkeeper-batter recently stated that there is no big difference between batting at No. 4 and 5, Yuvraj wants the Indian team to stick with Rahul at No. 4.

“India want K.L. Rahul to bat at No. 4 now. They have to give him 15-20 games in that position. In the Asia Cup, coming back from injury, he scored a 100. On a spinning track [in Colombo, against Sri Lanka] he scored a vital 39 runs. He is looking good right now, so they need to stick with him at No. 4,” Yuvraj said while speaking to The Week.

Yuvraj, who played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, feels that No. 4 is a crucial spot and the batter needs to have high skill to play there.

“No. 4 is a crucial position, especially if the openers get out cheaply. No. 4 batsman needs to have the technique to leave the ball, play the short ball well, and try and create partnerships.”

India are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia at Chepauk on October 8.

India's World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav