ICC World Cup 2019: KL Rahul Should Bat at No 4 in England - Gautam Gambhir

The upcoming ICC World Cup is round the corner, and the participating team are already in their last league of preparations. Many have tipped Indian National Cricket Teams as one of the strongest contenders to lift the coveted trophy while they still ponder about their no four batsman in the playing XI. While debates and discussions are going on over the same, former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir feels KL Rahul should bat at that important position.

Over the past two years, the management have done permutation and combination with that spot. But nobody could show the consistency needed to seal that berth. Ambati Rayudu got the most no of opportunities and was the front-runner to be on the plane to England for the spot. However, the selectors went ahead with young all-rounder Vijay Shankar due to his ability to contribute in all the department. Shankar impressed batting at the top-order during the series against New Zealand and going by his technical skills, Shankar will be a good option in England.

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Rahul should be in the team: Gambhir

But former cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels KL Rahul should bat at no four if he is not opening the innings. Meanwhile, it is highly unlikely that Rahul will open with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma in the team. The cricketer turned politician feels Rahul should be in the playing going by his recent form.

“K L Rahul should be in the playing XI, the kind of form he is in,” Gautam Gambhir said to rediff.com. “If Rahul can’t open, then he should bat at No 4 because he looks the best batter among all the guys who are on the bench, whether it is Dinesh Karthik or Vijay Shankar. Rahul should be batting at No 4 in the World Cup,” he added.

KL Rahul recently finished as the second highest run-scorer with 593 runs from 14 matches at an average of 53.90. The Kings XI Punjab’s opener also amassed one hundred and six fifties to make strong claims for his inclusion in the playing XI. India begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground in Southampton.