Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Team India's best bet at No.4 and No.5 positions, says 'since Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni retired...'

Team India veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that KL Rahul is the Men in Blue's best option at the No.5 position in ODI cricket.

SportsTak

• Fri • 25 Aug 2023

Team India veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that KL Rahul is the Men in Blue's best option at the No.5 position in ODI cricket. Ashwin shed light on how India has been searching for a solid batter at the No.5 position since the time Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni walked away from international cricket. The 36-year-old opined that Rahul has sublimely fit into the role of a No.5 batter while also doing the wicket-keeping job for India in ODIs.

"Ever since Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni retired, India were desperately looking for a replacement. Rahul has filled that slot with expertise. He is a definite lock at No.5 and is also our wicketkeeper-batsman," Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Rahul has been named in India's Asia Cup squad but the right-handed batter is expected to miss a couple of matches to begin the tournament as he picked up a niggle while rehabilitating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Ashwin is hopeful about Rahul's recovery before India's first game of the Asia Cup, which is against arch-rivals Pakistan.

"Before Pant's injury, Rahul was second in line and now Ishan Kishan is the second keeper, he has grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Rahul has some niggle but hopefully, he will be ready for the first game. If he is not we have an 18-member travelling with squad in Sanju Samson," said Ashwin.

Talking about the No.4 position, Ashwin had no doubts whatsoever as he picked Shreyas Iyer for the role. The veteran spinner lauded Iyer as one of the best batters against spinners and said if the right-handed batter is fit, then he should be India's No.4 batter in the upcoming Asia Cup.

"Shreyas Iyer is as important as KL Rahul to this side. One of the best players in the Indian line-up against spin and a consistent No.4 for India. He has played a crucial part in their success whenever he has played at 4. If he is completely fit to play, there should be no debate on No. 4 position," Ashwin said.