Renowned Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his support for maintaining the top-three batting order of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Ashwin’s endorsement comes amidst criticism directed at India’s batting lineup, particularly the middle order, which struggled during the team’s recent tour of the West Indies.
Ashwin has called for continuity in the top batting order, highlighting the success and potential of Gill, Sharma, and Kohli. He believes the trio’s performance and synergy contribute significantly to the team’s success. Ashwin’s recommendation stems from a desire to maintain stability and capitalize on the strengths of these established players.
India faced challenges in the middle order during their West Indies tour, which raised concerns about the team’s overall batting strength. With the injuries of key middle-order batsmen KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, the team experienced a setback. However, Rahul and Iyer have been included in the Asia Cup 2023 squad, indicating a potential resurgence for the middle order.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul underwent periods of recovery after their injuries. Iyer’s last competitive match was during the Border Gavaskar trophy, after which he underwent surgery. Similarly, Rahul’s last appearance was in the IPL 2023 for the Lucknow Super Giants before his surgery. Their inclusion in the Asia Cup squad demonstrates their regained fitness and determination to contribute to the team’s success.
While Ashwin supports the existing top order, he acknowledges the importance of having suitable backup options. Ishan Kishan, a versatile opener and wicketkeeper, is a reliable replacement in case of the unavailability of Gill or Sharma. Kishan’s dual role enhances the team’s balance and flexibility, ensuring a seamless transition if required.
“When it comes to openers, Gill and Rohit are locked. If one 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,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
Ashwin firmly asserts that Virat Kohli should continue batting at his original position, dismissing suggestions to move him to number four. Many cricket experts, including Ravi Shastri, have proposed the shift, but Rohit Sharma’s decision to retain Kohli at number three has been endorsed. The trio of Gill, Sharma, and Kohli is seen not only as the team’s engine room but also as its most influential match-winners in the limited-overs format.
“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,” Ravichandran Ashwin added.
Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team is set to kick off their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan, led by Babar Azam. The opening match is scheduled for September 2nd at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. The clash against their arch-rivals adds to the anticipation and excitement of the tournament.
India’s Asia Cup 2023 squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (Back up).
