KL Rahul's hundred against Bangladesh, despite being in a warm-up fixture, has likely propelled him to the top of the list for the number four position. Captain Virat Kohli praised this form as the most positive sign for the team as they prepare to face South Africa in their World Cup opener on June 5.
While MSK Prasad, the chief selector, had pointed to Vijay Shankar as a strong option for the number four slot, Kohli suggested that the management is now seriously looking at Rahul for the role.
Speaking after the Cardiff match, Kohli remarked that Rahul's batting at number four was the biggest win from the game. He explained that since other players are settled in their roles, it was vital for a technically sound player like Rahul to score runs and maintain the momentum of the game, which he demonstrated perfectly.
Vijay Shankar was initially the favorite for the number four spot, but a forearm injury right before the New Zealand warm-up sidelined him. Though he returned for the clash with Bangladesh, he didn't get a chance to shine and finished without a wicket. It would be a stroke of bad luck for Shankar if Rahul's performance earns him the starting spot in the first match next week.
