Ace India spinner R Ashwin has backed Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul to do well at the no.4 and no.5 spots in the Indian batting lineup respectively for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup tournaments.
Ever since Yuvraj Singh played his last game for India in 2017 and MS Dhoni played his in 2019, India has been trying various players in the middle order positions, but without much success. India have tried more than 10 players in that position and according to captain Rohit Sharma, still haven't been able to find the perfect match.
However, things changed in the last 2 years or so, when KL Rahul was made to keep wickets and shunted down the order at no.5 and Shreyas Iyer took up the mantle at no.4 position and both players have flourished in their new roles.
Both cricketers were included in the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 tournament and have returned after a lengthy layoff due to their respective injuries. But both Iyer and Rahul have been deemed fit by the NCA for their original injuries, though Rahul carries a fresh niggle.
Ashwin said that there should not be any doubt over India's No.4 and No.5 in the Asia Cup and World Cup if both Iyer and Rahul are match-fit.
“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 No5 and is also our wicketkeeper-batsman," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Rahul has scored 742 runs at a remarkable average of 53, accompanied by a striking strike rate of 99.33 ever since taking up the new role of keeping wickets and batting at No.5.
"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," Ashwin added.
Similarly, Shreyas Iyer scored 805 runs with an impressive average of 47.35 and a strike rate of 94.37 in the last few years at the no.4 position.
If a couple of wickets fall early, Iyer has shown that he can absorb the pressure and then capitalize whereas if he comes into bat after a good start, he can take down the spinners straightaway.
"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 the No.4 position," Ashwin added.
The Asia Cup begins on August 30 and India will play its first match on September 2nd against Pakistan in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
(Hindustan Times inputs)
