Former India skipper predicts KL Rahul’s ideal batting number for LSG during IPL 2024

KL Rahul is getting prepared to play the third Test between India and Australia starting on Thursday. The 31-year-old had missed the second Test in Vizag due to a niggle in his quadriceps muscle.

In just over a month the 2024 season of IPL is set to be played. Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar sat down with Star Sports India to discuss about the upcoming season. The 74-year-old has predicted the best number for the LSG skipper during the new season.

The batting legend also gave his insights on who should be in the top four for Lucknow this season. IPL 2023 ended in tears for KL Rahul as he was injured versus RCB in Lucknow. It is the same game where Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli famously clashed.

KL Rahul to drop down the order?

Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that KL Rahul should bat at number four during IPL 2024. LSG’s skipper has been batting in the middle order for Team India in the ODI and Test formats.

Speaking to Star Sports, this is what Sunil Gavaskar had to say “They are a good team. They have a team that has somehow always played above their potential. If they continue to do that, they will be in the periphery of the top four all the time. KL Rahul might bat at number four and Nicolas Pooran can bat at number three”

West Indian wicketkeeper and batter Nicolas Pooran has been in tremendous form with the bat in T20 cricket. “Nicolas Pooran, the more over he gets the more destructive he can be. I saw in the Major League Cricket, he was just sensational. So clearly I think Pooran needs to get a few more overs” Sunil Gavaskar opined.

Devdutt Padikkal was traded by LSG before the IPL Auction 2024 could take place. According to Sunil Gavaskar, the pairing of Quinton De Kock and Nicolas Pooran can do wonders for the team.

“Quinton De Kock, the opening bat. Devdutt Padikkal, who they have bought might be the opener with him. So I think their batting seems to be definitely sorted. It’s the bowling where they need to do a little bit more so that they can continue to be in the top four” Mr Gavaskar said.