“Only way that can happen…”: Ashwin reacts to Shastri’s suggestion of sending Kohli at No. 4 during ODI World Cup

The Men in Blue are in dilemma over the No. 4 slot ahead of the World Cup.

Team India’s No. 4 conundrum in the 50-over format was been a topic of discussion leading up to the 2019 World Cup. There were a lot of changes made to the crucial batting slot, and yet the middle-order flattered to deceive during the showpiece tournament in England and Wales.

With less than 50 days remaining for the ODI World Cup 2023, the Men in Blue are in dilemma once again over the No. 4 slot.

While Shreyas Iyer has done well in that position, he is still recuperating at the NCA after a back surgery and his selection for the upcoming quadrennial event isn’t certain yet.

Recently, former India head coach Ravi Shastri opined that star batter Virat Kohli can be an ideal candidate for the No. 4 position.

Notably, Kohli used to bat at No.4 early in his career when Gautam Gambhir was the designated No. 3 while Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar were the two openers for India.

Reacting to Shastri’s comment, veteran India spinner R Ashwin has now said that the only way this might actually happen is if KL Rahul doesn’t get fit as Shreyas Iyer remains a leading contender to take the No.4 slot.

“Virat Kohli batted at number 4 in that World Cup [2011]. In fact, Ravi Bhai has mentioned that, if necessary, Virat Kohli should bat at number 4. I think he mentioned that so that we can accommodate a left-hander," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

"The only way that can happen is if KL Rahul doesn’t get fit, and when they need a keeper, they can open with Ishan Kishan. That’s the only possibility because Shreyas Iyer is one of the go-to players for Team India in ODIs as a batter,” he added.

Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri earlier said that Ishan Kishan should open for India while Rohit can go down to No.3.

"Ishan Kishan should bat right at the top of the order. Rohit as a captain is vastly experienced. He can go in at three, he can go at four. This is where you have to see the player's frame of mind. How will Shubman Gill feel if asked to bat No.3 or No.4 as opposed to batting at the top? No one owns a position. If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team. If you look at Virat Kohli's record at No.4, it's quite good," he stated.