Ravichandran Ashwin wants Indian fans to get beyond ‘IPL conflict’ and backs Shreyas Iyer for the No. 4 spot
Ashwin also praised Ajit Agarkar, the new chairman of selectors, for giving clarity to the team.
A day after the Men in Blue’s Asia Cup roster was unveiled, Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on who should be India’s No. 4 batter in the 50-over format.
“The No. 4 slot is one of the most contentious. Shreyas Iyer is critical to our success. He’s one of the greatest spinners in the Indian lineup and a reliable No 4 for India. When he has played at No. 4, he has been instrumental in India’s victory. “If he’s fully fit to play, there’s no doubt who should be India’s No. 4,” Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel, Around The World of Cricket.
“Tilak Verma is an exciting talent,” he continued. As backup middle-order batsmen, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak both provide an X-factor to the team. Tilak hasn’t had many goals in the Ireland series. But he’s showing incredible intent right from the start. He’s arrived with a clear head. Management has backed him for a backup spot because he brings in new blood. Surya is the same.”
He went on to say that sometimes people bring up points like how many opportunities should a guy like Surya be allowed, despite the fact that he’s demonstrated time and again that he’s one of our top T20 match-winners.
Some of the argument in the IPL revolves around players and whether or not they should be given chances.
“However, people must understand that we are discussing the Indian cricket team.” At the World Cup, all players are members of Team India. Acceptance from fans is essential. Once the IPL is over, clear the slate and move forward. Even after the IPL is over, fans can get into fights. Surya possesses the X-factor. “Selectors know what they’re doing,” Ashwin explained.
“You shouldn’t degrade the others just because your favorite player isn’t there,” he added. The selectors attempted to select a balanced side.”
Ashwin also praised Ajit Agarkar, the new chairman of selectors, for giving clarity to the team.
“I found this fascinating, and it’s really good.” Agarkar just took over as chairman of selectors, and he has instantly prioritized transparency. He and the skipper held a news conference after picking a 17-man roster and a backup for the Asia Cup. “I’m not going to get into whether or not all teams are doing this,” he stated.
A’settled’ team is required.
While Ashwin stated that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were certain locks for the XI in the opening slots, Virat Kohli should bat at No. 3.
Some former players, such as Ravi Shastri, believe Kohli should bat at No. 3 or No. 4 in the batting order, and that the former India captain should be prepared to bat at No. 4 if necessary. However, Ashwin used the Australian team and what made them contenders to suggest why India was unlikely to scramble around Kohli. “Australia, according to Matthew Hayden, are contenders because they have a stable squad.” “This word he used,’settled,’ is significant,” he remarked.
When asked about the No. 5 spot, he stated that KL Rahul was a foregone conclusion. “India has been desperate for a replacement for Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni since their retirements.” Rahul has filled that position expertly.”
The off-spinner also mentioned how Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna performed in the Ireland series as encouraging.
“With the exception of one or two minor details, they both appeared to be in fantastic rhythm.” They became automatic selections for Team India the instant they demonstrated their fitness, bounce, and execution. In reality, Bumrah made an excellent point, stating that he had been training bowling 10 overs rather than four overs “because his intention was always to gear up for the World Cup.”
