Team India is yet again likely to encounter the No.4 conundrum before a 50-over World Cup. In 2019, it was eventually Vijay Shankar and KL Rahul who made the cut. Although there are quite a few options, there are also issues related to fitness, form and experience. Nevertheless, after IPL 2023, the management will make efforts to freeze this slot at the earliest. On that note, here, we take a look at three players who could play at No.4 for India at the 2023 ODI World Cup.
1) Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is currently recovering from his back issue. While he is ruled out of the WTC 2023 Finals, in all likelihood, he will be fit by the 2023 ODI World Cup.
This is extremely important for India as the management has invested in Iyer at No.4. He is also quite experienced and good against the spinners, something that’s needed in India. Therefore, he is on this list.
2) Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda is one of the players who could play at No.4 for India at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Suryakumar Yadav’s form is not likely to help him while India might opt to stick with KL Rahul at No.5. Unless an outside candidate like Rajat Patidar throws himself in the mix, we could see Deepak Hooda also competing for this spot.
The player can also give a few overs of right-arm off-spin, something that could work in his favour. The balance he adds might make the selectors go for him.
3) Tilak Varma
With Rishabh Pant missing out, India could need a left-hander in the middle-order. Ishan Kishan may not be a great bet at No.4 and this could give Tilak Varma an outside chance.
The youngster has been doing well in IPL and he seems to tick a few boxes needed for this role. If he can work on his game against the pacers, he could be in for a long time in the blue jersey. Just like Deepak, even Tilak can offer a few overs of right-arm off-spin.
