Ashwin prasing sheryas iyer
August 23, 2023

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Shreyas Iyer as India's No 4 batter in 50-over format

India's Ravichandran Ashwin flips the ball on day two of the second cricket Test match against West Indies on July 21, 2023. Ravichandran Ashwin weighed in on who should be India’s No 4 batter in the 50-over format a day after the Asia Cup squad for the Men in Blue was announced. “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,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Around The World of Cricket.He went on to add: “Tilak Verma is an exciting talent.  Both Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak bring an X-factor to the team as back-up middle-order batters. Tilak hasn’t scored a lot in the Ireland series. But he’s showing unreal intent from the first ball. He’s coming in with a clear mind. Since he brings in freshness, the management has backed him for a back-up slot. Same with Surya.”