If KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer aren't fit, Tilak Varma or Sanju Samson can bat at number 4: Brad Hogg

The ODI World Cup 2023 is just over a month away as all teams finalise their preparations for the mega event. The hosts India also have a number of problems to address as the countdown to the cricketing extravaganza begins. One of India’s biggest concerns is having a settled middle order especially someone at number four. Over the past few months, the team management has tried a number of players in the batting position such as the likes of KL Rahul and Suryakumarr Yadav.

With Rahul and Shreyas Iyer still recovering from their injuries and Suryakumar’s inability to fire with the bat, India find themselves in a precarious situation with not much time left in the World Cup. However, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg has found a solution for India’s number four woes and suggested trying out Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson in the batting position for the mega event.

“If they're (Iyer and Rahul) not fit, we need a keeper in this team. I don't think Ishan Kishan can bat lower down the order. I think he is predominantly an opener. If they open with Kishan and Rohit Sharma, I would have Tilak Varma coming in at No. 4. He has hardly played any one-day cricket. But the way he has operated in T20 cricket shows that he has got the goods for any situation," said Hogg on Instagram.

Further speaking in the video, Hogg suggested including Sanju Samson at number four with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening the innings.

"If they go with Gill and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order with Sanju Samson at No. 4 as the Indian keeper going into that World Cup. I think he can offer something substantial in that position", he said.

Watch the video here:

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KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer going through 50-over game simulations at the NCA

Meanwhile, both Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul were recently spotted doing a match simulation ahead of the selection committee’s meeting to select the squad for Asia Cup 2023. The video which was shared by India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant, showed Shreyas Iyer batting accompanied by KL Rahul at the non-striker’s end during a practice game.

According to reports, the duo will only be selected in the team if they prove their match fitness by going through a 50-over game simulation. Both players will also have to prove their fielding fitness while Rahul will have to prove his wicketkeeping fitness for the entire length of 50 overs. The star batters are the backbone of the Indian batting line up and are in a race against time to seal their spot in the World Cup squad.