ICC World Cup 2019: KL Rahul's Technique is Best-Suited for No 4, Says Dilip Vengsarkar

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) done and dusted, the focus has shifted to the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. The Indian National Cricket Team is yet to finalise their no four batsmen for the marquee event. However, going by the conditions on offer in England, former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar feels KL Rahul will be the best option to bat at four.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: MS Dhoni’s Role Will be Different But Very Important, Feels Elder Brother Narendra Singh Dhoni

Rahul best suited for four: Vengsarkar

Meanwhile, the management have been struggling only with this position ahead of the World Cup. They have tried various options, including the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, and KL Rahul. But nobody has shown the consistency to seal the berth. As a result, the selectors went with young Vijay Shankar for that important position. Shankar impressed batting at three in the T20Is in New Zealand which earned the trust of the selectors. Chief selector MSK Prasad said that they went in with the Tamil Nadu all-rounder because of his three-dimensional ability.

Also read: Robin Uthappa All Set To Join Kerala Ranji Team From 2019-20 Season

However, Vijay Shankar had a poor IPL which has raised speculations about his credibility batting at the spot. Many former cricketers including Gautam Gambhir has urged the management to field KL Rahul at second drop. And now, former selector Dilip Vengsarkar has echoed the same lines. Rahul will fly to England as the third opener and going by his technique, Vengsarkar feels the Karnataka opener is the best option India have.

“We have a settled opening pair in Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit (Sharma). Virat Kohli is phenomenal at No. 3. I feel that KL Rahul could be an option at No. 4. He has the technique and can complement the top three well. I believe the No. 4 should be a specialist batsman,” Vengsarkar told PTI during an interaction.

Moreover, Dilip Vengsarkar also added that KL Rahul should be a part of the playing XI. Going in detail, the veteran added that, Rahul is a specialist opener and can provide stability if India loses early wickets. 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. Meanwhile, only time will say who the management think is the best option to take up that role.

Read More: World Cup 1975 : Most Runs Scored by a Batsman

Indian National Cricket Team begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa at Southampton. Before that, they will play two practice games to look at the combinations before hitting the grounds for the World Cup.