'No one owns a position' - Ravi Shastri backs Ishan Kishan to open the innings in Asia Cup

India have plenty of problems to address ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup 2023 as the team finalises its preparations for the two mega events. The Men-in-Blue are marred by injuries to two of their main players namely Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul who’re undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Due to their injuries, the Indian batting order looks completely unsettled and might require some changes if the duo fails to regain match fitness ahead of the crucial events.

Suggesting a change in the Indian batting order former India head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri recently suggested opening the innings with Ishan Kishan and demoting Shubman Gill down the order to have a right-left hand combination at the top. Notably, the wicketkeeper batter was awarded Player of the series for finishing as the highest run scorer of the recent three-match series against West Indies where he amassed 184 runs from three innings.

However, former India chief selector and cricketer Sandeep Patil, who was also present on the experts' panel, disagreed with Shastri and contended that Gill should open the innings considering his form.

"I will go with Shubman Gill looking at his form. I understand the argument that Ravi and MSK made (in favour of Kishan). But it is very important for the team's sake. I don't agree that Rohit Sharma will be more comfortable with a left-handed opening partner. Gill should open with him," Patil said on Star Sports.

Countering Patil’s statement, Shastri said that all batters will have to be flexible for the team and no one owns a particular position.

If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team: Ravi Shastri

"Sandy has a very good point. We talked about Kishan doing well. Shubman Gill has had a fabulous 2023. This is where that flexibility comes. This is where you have to see the player's frame of mind. How will Shubman Gill feel if asked to bat No.3 or No.4 as opposed to batting at the top? No one owns a position. If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team," he added.

Meanwhile, India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2023 is likely to be announced next week. There’s uncertainty on Rahul and Iyer’s fitness all around and it would be interesting to see if the team management decides to rush them into the squad ahead of Asia Cup 2023.