2019 World Cup, India vs Bangladesh: KL Rahul successfully auditions for No.4 spot with century

KL Rahul, who was initially drafted in the 15-man World Cup squad as a back-up opener, has seemingly sealed his spot as a number 4 batsman instead. 

Rahul scored a brilliant century in India's second warm-up game against Bangladesh, stabilizing the Indian innings after the early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Vijay Shankar, who was announced as the first-choice option for the number-4 spot, was sent at the 5th position but failed to make a mark. Shankar was dismissed for merely two runs.

This was Rahul's final opportunity to prove his mettle after a failed outing against New Zealand in the first warm-up game, and he didn't disappoint. The batsman took his time to settle and provided a supporting role for captain Virat Kohli and led the charge after his dismissal.

Rahul oozed his quality throughout the innings, scoring 108 runs in merely 98 deliveries. The batsman hit fours and sixes at will, dispatching the ball on the boundary on 16 occasions (12 fours, 4 sixes), as he formed an important partnership with MS Dhoni.

The debate surrounding the number 4 spot has been significant throughout the last year, with players like Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni and Vijay Shankar consistently touted for the spot.

However, with Rahul's century coming a week before India begins their campaign in the tournament proper, it seems that the debate is finally over, and for good.