'He is an experienced player' - Shikhar Dhawan backs Suryakumar Yadav for number four spot in ODI World Cup

Veteran India opener Shikhar Dhawan has backed Suryakumar Yadav to play at No. 4 in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Notably, Shreyas Iyer is yet to recover from his back injury and there is no confirmation about his return to professional cricket. The Mumbai-born cricketer is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and a call on his participation in the World Cup is expected to take place soon.

Meanwhile, looking at the uncertainty, Dhawan stated that the team management should consider Suryakumar at No. 4 as he has the much-needed experience. Interestingly, despite being one of the first names on the team sheet in T20Is, the flamboyant batter has not been able to create similar impact in ODIs. Even so, Dhawan backed him for the role and also added that he is very keen to see how Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma perform in the mega tournament.

“I would go with Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while. Also, really looking forward to seeing how Shubman Gill does in the World Cup. Another batter to watch out for will be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally well in the last World Cup,” Dhawan was quoted as saying by India Today.

India have right blend of experience and youth: Shikhar Dhawan

The 37-year-old also believes that India have the right blend of experience and youth in their squad at the moment. Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli’s experience will come in handy while the youngsters in the form of Ishan Kishan and Gill can wreak havoc. He also added saying that since the tournament will be played in India, the players will be well accustomed with the conditions.

“We have got a very good side which has the right blend of experience and youth. We will have the home advantage. We know the grounds and pitches and that is going to come in very handy,” Dhawan added.