Veteran India off-spinner R Ashwin believes India shouldn’t change their top three of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Asia Cup as well. However, there has been a lot of talk going on about whether Kohli should bat at No.4 as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are returning from injuries. But, Ashwin feels the top three are huge for India’s chances in the ODI format and it should remain settled and consistent as well.
In a video on his YouTube channel, R Ashwin said: “Many ex-players including Ravi Bhai (Shastri) have said that Virat Kohli, if needed, should be made ready for No.4. But Rohit has rubbished these talks and has locked in Kohli at No.3. Gill, Rohit, and Kohli are not only our engine room but also biggest match-winners in this format.”
READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad
However, R Ashwin also opined on Ishan Kishan’s selection as a backup opener to Rohit and Shubman Gill. The talented batter has been impressive in whatever chances he got at the top of the order so far. His ability to keep wickets gives the team the much-needed backup as well.
“When it comes to openers, Gill and Rohit are locked. In case one of them isn’t available, you have the backup opener/wicketkeeper in Ishan Kishan. He has fielded well too and has scored a double hundred as well. So the opener/wicketkeeper backup gives the team that combination and balance,” R Ashwin concluded.
READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet
India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (travelling reserve).
