'There’s no debate who should be No 4 for India': Ashwin ends big debate before World Cup

The Indian cricket team selection committee headed by former cricketer Ajit Agarkar finally announced the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, on August 21, 2023. The Indian squad led by Rohit Sharma will gather in a seven-day practice session ahead of their flight to Colombo, before the much-awaited multi-nation tournament. The Indian team will begin its Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan on September 2, 2023. 

3 things you need to know 

• KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have made a comeback to the Indian squad after recovering from injury 
• Yuzvendra Chahal has been snubbed from the team for the Asia Cup 2023 
• The Asia Cup 2023 is very important from the perspective of the ODI World Cup 2023 

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R Ashwin feels Shreyas Iyer is very important for Team India at number four 

(Team India batter Shreyas Iyer while playing a shot against Bangladesh in December 2022 / Image: AP) 

The number four batting position has been one of the major challenges for the Indian team management, and they have also tried various players at the No.4 place over the years. Ahead of the ODI World Cup, the debate has risen once again, and the fans want to know, who will bat at the all-important number four position in the ODI World Cup. 

Veteran India spinner R Ashwin has ended the debate and has a two-word answer to the question. As per Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer is very important for the Indian team at number four ahead of the ODI World Cup. Iyer has made his way back to the team after recovering from the injury, and was in good form, before getting ruled out. R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: 

The No 4 slot is one of the most debated slots. Shreyas Iyer is extremely important to our side. He’s one of the best players in the Indian line-up against spin and a very consistent No 4 for India. He’s played a crucial role in India’s success whenever he’s played at No 4. If he’s completely fit to play, there’s no debate who should be No 4 for India

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Shreyas Iyer's performance at number four 

Shreyas Iyer has played most matches of his ODI career at the No.4 position and in 20 matches, the right-handed batter has scored 805 runs at an average of 47.35. This also includes an unbeaten knock of 113 runs against South Africa in the year 2022.