'Dharavi de Villiers pr is insane' - Fans react as Shikhar Dhawan back star T20I batter to play at India's No. 4 spot in 2023 World Cup

The 2023 ODI World Cup is less than two months away, but Team India continues to experiment to finalise a solid squad for the marquee event. The primary reason for this is the injury of key players like Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. While Bumrah is set to make a comeback this month, the return of other players is unknown, mainly affecting India's middle order.

Iyer has been India's No. 4 in ODIs, but the 28-year-old is yet to recover from the injury he sustained during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Although reports suggest that he is on his way to attaining full fitness, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery has prompted the Indian selectors to scratch their heads ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cup.

India have been experimenting with Suryakumar Yadav in Iyer's place for a long time but the Mumbai batter could not impress in that slot. Another option is Sanju Samson, who failed to perform well in ODIs in the recently concluded three-match series against the West Indies.

However, veteran India opener Shikhar Dhawan backed Suryakumar at the mystery No. 4 spot in case Iyer does not regain fitness in time."I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while," Dhawan told PTI.

They have given me the freedom: Suryakumar Yadav 

Meanwhile, Suryakumar recently stated that Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid wants him to bat at the end of the innings as it would allow the right-hander to play a T20-like knock. Notably, in the recently concluded series against Windies, he batted lower down the order to experiment how it works.

“They asked me to spend some time in the crease and think about how I can be useful for the team in the last 10-15 overs. They want me to play 45-50 balls in a match, if I bat in the last 15-18 overs and they have given me the freedom of how I want to go about it,” Suryakumar added.

Here's how fans reacted to Shikhar Dhawan backing Suryakumar Yadav to play at India's No. 4 spot in the 2023 World Cup: 

Not reliable and consistent

— Mehul Vinod Patel (@mehulvpatel77) August 10, 2023

Is se achha sikhar khud hi odi khel le

— ᴩʀᴀᴛɪᴋꜱʜᴀ ᴩᴀɴᴅᴇy (@pratiksha12_) August 10, 2023

Shreyas could have been the key to 4th position mystery 🥺🥺

— Yogiraj Giri (@badshah_29) August 10, 2023

Dhawan genuinely deserves one chance.

— RoChin4️⃣5️⃣💙 (@lnmyspace7) August 10, 2023

But no one backs Shikhar 🥺🥺🥲🥲

— sgmgsktskstkst (@SameerV62994878) August 10, 2023

Shreyas Iyer at no. 4, SKY at no.5

— Ayaan Kaith (@DograAyaan22) August 10, 2023

Seeing how hardik is batting these days, it would be a good option to promote him at 4 instead of Sky

— Sourav (@_dsourav_) August 10, 2023

Dharavi de Villiers pr is insane 😭🙏

— KRISHNA (@KrishnaVK_18) August 10, 2023

SKY is very good Player
But Gabbar >>>🗿

— Marklal Gada (@Markfeey) August 10, 2023

Surya is fit for No 5 or 6.

No 4 batter play between 15 to 35 overs.

Team should use Surya in last overs.

— Manjeet kumar🇮🇳#RB (@Manjeetkumar_) August 11, 2023

Shikhar Dhawan is a better option than sky in ODI

— Pawan Shukla (@Shukla8175) August 10, 2023