‘Baat mein dam toh hai’ - Fans react as Ravichandran Aswin names perfect candidate for Team India’s no.4 slot ahead of Asia Cup 2023

Asia Cup 2023 is all set to begin on 30 August while Team India will begin their campaign on 2 September against their arch-rivals Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Indian Cricket Board announced an 18-member squad for the tournament. Both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer managed to make a comeback after sitting out for several months due to their injuries. This tournament might work as a great platform for Rohit Sharma and his men for the upcoming ODI World Cup in October. But, still, fans are worried about the number four slot as that has been a concern for the team.

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Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri earlier suggested using Virat Kohli in that position while recently, the team management showed faith in several players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson. But, still, they have failed to get one player who can deliver consistently. Hence, Iyer is most likely to get included in the playing XI for that slot and before his injury, he showed some consistency. Now, the veteran spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin shared the name of the perfect candidate for Team India’s number four slot.

"One of the best players in the Indian lineup against spin, and a very consistent number four for India." - Ravichandran Ashwin on Shreyas Iyer

While analysing Team India’s squad on his YouTube channel, he said: “As much as KL Rahul is important to the side, Shreyas Iyer is equally important too. One of the best players in the Indian lineup against spin, and a very consistent number four for India. He has played a crucial part in Team India’s success whenever he has played at 4.” 

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“So, Shreyas Iyer coming back from his injury is a very, very good thing. If he is completely fit to play, then there is no debate on who should be number 4,” Ashwin concluded. Iyer has batted in 20 ODI innings so far at the same position and he has scored 805 runs, at an average of 47.35 with a strike rate of 94.37. He has smashed five fifties and two centuries also.      

Here is how fans have reacted:

Hope so

— Sufyan Khan (@khanspeaks_) August 23, 2023

Iyer will perform best for his country at number 4

— House of Sanatan (@Sanatani_Shabby) August 23, 2023

Absolutely there's no debate if shreyas is available.

— Rutvik Makwana (@rutvikwrites) August 23, 2023

Abhi agr ek short ball fenk ke mara na....

— Tas 🇮🇳 (@TasneemKhatai1) August 23, 2023

He is our key player 🙌

— Sajan (@Hey_Sajan) August 23, 2023

Agreed 👍

— memes_hallabol (@memes_hallabol) August 23, 2023

Iyer is key in the middle overs, he is a better spin batsman and can easily rotate singles

— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) August 23, 2023

Good player but overrated

— B (@afcbazz) August 23, 2023

One short ball is all it takes

— User45 (@140off113) August 23, 2023