/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/post_banners/IzYdMJktV0ePmqufXxgx.jpg)
India’s middle-order concern has been the nucleus of a big debate for the last couple of years since the retirement of former batting star Yuvraj Singh and former skipper MS Dhoni. India’s infamous debacle in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2019 against New Zealand, in England came up with a lot of questions on the question of having a strong middle-order for India.
Meanwhile, the veteran Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has come up with a big statement on the replacements of Yuvraj and Dhoni in the middle-order. He went on to count upon the duo of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer to fill in the shoes of the former batting stars in the middle order to lessen the concern of Team India.
“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," said Ashwin in a video on his YouTube channel.
"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 the squad in Sanju Samson," he added.
"If he is completely fit to play, there should be no debate on number 4." - Ravichandran Ashwin on Shreyas Iyer
Furthermore, the 36-year-old also spoke up on India’s prominent concern of the number 4 batter. He felt that there should be any kind of debate on this position or question of having a trusted batter at number 4.
“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,” said the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning veteran.