As Ambati Rayudu has not been included in the World Cup squad and Vijay Shankar replaced him, many got surprised with this selection. However, it is expected that he will bat at number 4 in the team. Though, former cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir believed that KL Rahul should bat at number 4 in the upcoming World Cup. Rahul earlier tried in the position but failed to impress so he has been included as the back-up opener. On the other hand, the selector MSK Prasad said that it would depend on the management how they will use Rahul in the tournament. Rahul amassed 593 runs in 14 innings in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) for Punjab.

“It is about the team management to decide but it will be very crucial to see who bats at No.4. For me, K.L. Rahul should ideally bat at that slot. He is best suited among the others – Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar. He has been in good form in the IPL and I am sure, he is going to carry that form into the World Cup,” Gautam Gambhir told to Sportstar.

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India will start their ICC World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5.