5 players who can bat at No. 4 for India in 2023 ODI World Cup

The number 4 position in ODIs has been a crucial batting spot. Since the retirement of Yuvraj Singh, India have found it difficult to have a solid number 4 in ODIs for a long time. Before the 2019 ODI World Cup, more than 12 players were tested to play at number 4. The issue is not any different this time either, ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Here are the five batters who can bat at number 4 in the 2023 ODI World Cup for India -  

5. Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson (Source: Twitter)

The wicketkeeper batter has mostly batted at numbers 5 and 6 in ODIs. But given the lack of balance in the side, Samson can be a valuable addition at number 4, considering his wicketkeeping skills. At number 4, Samson averages 51 and has a strike rate of 124.39.   

4. Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav (Source: Twitter)

The 32-year-old has played a lot of ODIs in the recent past without big success. From 2022, Yadav averages 20.37 and has a strike rate of 96.03 in ODIs. At number 4, the Mumbai batter has 30 runs in 5 innings at an average of 6.00. But given the versatility of Yadav, he might be one of the contenders.  

3. KL Rahul

KL Rahul (Source: Twitter)

The star batter has predominantly batted at number 5 in ODIs since 2020. The Mangalore-born batter has enough experience batting as an opener. But recently, Rahul was also tried at number 4. In the position, Rahul has 241 runs in 7 innings at an average of 40.17, at a strike rate of 80.87.  

2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer (Source: Twitter)

The 28-year-old has been the regular number 4 in India since 2020. Due to injuries, Iyer has been able to play the ODI series against West Indies. But the consistent batter can still walk into the side if he can prove his fitness. At number 4, Iyer averages 47.35 and has 805 runs in 20 innings.  

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

This might be a surprising decision. But given how packed the Indian top order is, the management can well open with Ishan Kishan and Rohit, pushing Gill down to 3. In that case, Kohli might have to bat at 4. It would not be a bad idea, as the star batter has 1767 runs in 39 innings at an average of 55.22, at a strike rate of 90.66 at number 4.