There shouldn’t be any discussion over KL Rahul playing at No. 5 for India during the Asia Cup, according to seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. If the latter is healthy in time for the group’s opening match of the competition versus Pakistan on September 2, that is.
Rahul is in a race against time to be ready for the opening Asia Cup game, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who informed the media that he had a little ache.
Rahul’s selection to the team has been questioned by certain spectators and analysts. However, Ashwin believes that because of the batter’s consistency in that location, his selection shouldn’t be questioned.
There should be no debate on No.4 position: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin spoke on his YouTube channel after the Asia Cup squad was announced. He backed KL Rahul to succeed in the middle order. He said, “KL Rahul is locked in at No.5. India have been trying to find replacements for Yuvraj and Dhoni for the No.5 slot and Rahul has filled that position with expertise. If he is fit and ready, the No.5 position is also a lock.”
Shreyas Iyer has been an important member of the Indian team, and the off-spinner spoke about the importance of having Iyer at number 4. He said, “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.”
Ravichandran Ashwin thinks India’s selection of all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, as well as Shardul Thakur, has provided adequate balance for their team.
He added, “India have two all-rounders in Hardik and Jadeja at No.6 and No.7. There’s not even a debate in their inclusion. At No.8 you need someone who can rotate the strike as well as hit the long ball. That’s where you have options like Shardul and Axar. If either plays, India have three multi-utility options which give balance to their batting.”
