The Indian cricket team has entered a new era in T20I cricket following their disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2022. With Hardik Pandya as skipper on the New Zealand tour, India has given the opportunity to Shreyas Iyer, Umran Malik, Sanju among others Samson, Ishan Kishan etc. But a few regulars like Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, etc. are also there. As for the number 3 role, there seems to be great competition between Suryakumar and Iyer.
In the T20 World Cup, it was Virat Kohli who took the No. 3 spot, while Surya batted at No. 4. Since Kohli is not part of the series, Iyer comes in as a like-for-like replacement. But some think Surya can be a more impactful player if he is allowed to step up.
However, in his video on YouTube, Ashwin said that Iyer should get the number 3 spot as he has “earned his due”.
“Anyway, Shreyas Iyer on 3 and Suryakumar Yadav on 4 are a slot. There will be a temptation to send Suryakumar Yadav on 3. But I think Shreyas has earned his due. So Shreyas will go on three and Surya will beat at 4,” said Ashwin.
The veteran off-spinner also spoke of the prospects of Rishabh Pant taking the opener’s spot. He said that if Pant is allowed to open, Washington Sundar should take the number 5 role, as a southpaw.
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“If you send Rishabh Pant to the top, we don’t have left-handers in the middle order. It’s also much talked about not having a left-hander in the middle order. Having a left-right combination in the middle is really important in T20s. Is there a left middle option available?
“The only other option left is Washington Sundar. I don’t know if they’ll knock him at number 5. If they don’t see him in that role, I don’t know where else he’ll fit in this roster. Remember,, This is also a comeback for Washington Sundar,” he said.
Ashwin himself is not part of India’s squad on the New Zealand tour. Whether he is still eligible for T20I selection or not is a matter that needs a little more clarity from the selectors.
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