Bold No. 5 remark of R Ashwin while going into the Asia Cup 2023
Middle order of the team India has been an issue for a long time in the team. After the retirement of MS Dhoni, many players have been tried in the finisher's role, but not many have been able to convince the selectors and team management. As for the No. 4 spot, since the exit of Yuvraj Singh from the team, there remains a big conundrum over the position. For Ravichandran Ashwin, the man who has been able to impress in the middle order since Dhoni and Yuvraj's departures is KL Rahul.
Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that, "Ever since Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni retired, India has been desperately looking for a replacement. Rahul has filled that slot with expertise. He is a definite lock at No. 5 and is also our wicketkeeper-batsman."
He further added that, "Before Pant's injury, Rahul was second in line, and now Ishan Kishan is the second keeper; he has grabbed that opportunity with both hands. Rahul has some niggles, but hopefully he will be ready for the first game. If he is not, we have an 18-member squad traveling with us in Sanju Samson."