World Cup 2023: Shikhar Dhawan makes his choice between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson for No. 4 spot

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Shikhar Dhawan has made the choice clear for India's number four batter at the World Cup 2023 in case Shreyas Iyer fails to make a successful comeback from his injury.

Talking to PTI, the veteran opener has picked Suryakumar Yadav over Sanju Samson for the crucial spot as India look to end their decade-long wait for an ICC trophy. Notably, India are yet to finalise their middle-order for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023 as cloud covers remain over the fitness of KL Rahul and Iyer.

Sanju Samson was recently recalled in the India ODI squad to audition. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed young Tilak Varma for the role after his stellar T20I debut in West Indies.

However, Shikhar Dhawan has reckoned that the experience of Suryakumar Yadav will come as handy for India in the marquee event. He said that Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma would also be batters to watch out for.

"I would go with Surya at four as he is an experienced player and has been playing international cricket for a while," Shikhar Dhawan told PTI.

"Also, really looking forward to seeing how Shubman Gill does in the World Cup. Another batter to watch out for will be Rohit Sharma as he did exceptionally well in the last World Cup," he said, referring to India captain's five hundreds in the 2019 World Cup.

The southpaw also said that India would be one of the favourites as they will have the benefit of home conditions.

"We have got a very good side which has the right blend of experience and youth. We will have the home advantage. We know the grounds and pitches and that is going to come in very handy," Dhawan said.

Further, Dhawan also talked about keeping oneself productive. The player, who is out of reckoning of the all three formats, said he keeps himself busy with his business interests.

"It is important to be productive. We live quite a high-paced life, especially when you are playing all formats like I used to at one point. Now I have enough time, so I keep myself involved with my business interests," he said.