Asia Cup 2023: 'KL Rahul Is Locked In At No.5'- Ravichandran Ashwin Speaks On 31-Year-Old's Place In India Squad

India spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin opened up on KL Rahul’s position in the India squad and said that he has locked in at number five. The 31-year-old has been included in the Asia Cup 2023 squad which will be a huge relief for Rohit Sharma-led India squad.

KL Rahul last played a competitive match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) when he suffered a thigh injury and had to leave the field immediately. Later the player had to go through surgery which forced him out of the pitch for months.

Even though he has been included in the squad, but still the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar confirmed that the 31-year-old still has a niggle but can play after the 2nd or 3rd match and that is why Sanju Samson will be traveling as a reserve player.

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While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said that India have been looking for Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni’s spot at number five for a long time and that KL Rahul has expertise in delivering at number five.

“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,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on KL Rahul.

Shreyas Iyer is as important as KL Rahul to this side: Ravichandran Ashwin

While talking about Shreyas Iyer, the Indian spinner said that both Iyer and KL Rahul are important to the squad.

Ashwin added that Iyer is one of the best batsmen in the squad who can play well against the spinners at number four. Ashwin mentioned that Iyer always played a major role in India’s victory whenever he played in his position.

“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.

Ravichandran Ashwin asked the team management to use Shardul Thakur or Axar Patal at number eight to bring balance in the squad.

“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,” Ashwin further added.

Rohit Sharma-led India will lock horns against Babar Azam’s Pakistan in their opening match of the tournament on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.