"Shreyas Iyer's Place Should Be Questioned": Indian Spinner's Bold Remark On World Cup Squad

07.09.2023 - 01:05 sports.ndtv.com

As skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced India's squad for the ODI World Cup 2023, only 15 players got the nod while a number of those who were in contention, were left with broken hearts.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson were among those players whose absence pinched many fans while the inclusion of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer didn't convince everyone.

Veteran Indian spinner Piyush Chawla said that while there's plenty of talk on the role KL Rahul will play for the team, even Shreyas Iyer's spot should be questioned.

After Ishan Kishan's heroics took India to 266 runs in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan, many feel that the young wicket-keeper batter has cemented his spot in the team.

cricket India Cricket Team World Cup 2023 Remark cup on Rohit Sharma Shreyas Iyer Ishan Kishan Kl Rahul India Pakistan

Doubts can creep in when one has to deal with frequent injuries but Shreyas Iyer says it was his unflinching belief in his abilities that helped him to bounce back from a lonely phase. The Asia Cup that India won marked Iyer's comeback from a back surgery after six months but a back spasm in the middle of the tournament meant he only got to bat once over the course of two weeks. However, the 14 off nine balls he made in India's opener against Pakistan gave him a lot of confidence as he desperately waited for another opportunity.

On 'Stealing' Virat Kohli's No. 3 Spot, Shreyas Iyer's Mic Drop Statement

After slamming a century to set up India's 99-run win in the second ODI against Australia, comeback man Shreyas Iyer on Sunday opened up about his long-injury lay-off, saying he was in a "lonely space" during that rollercoaster phase in his career. Iyer, who had to undergo a back surgery and was out of action for six months, slammed 105 off 90 balls to take India to a massive 399 for 5 against Australia here, which eventually led the hosts to a series sealing victory.

India vs Australia, 2nd ODI: India Seal Series After Sublime Hundreds From Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer Script Win

Shubman Gill showed his insatiable hunger for runs with fifth hundred of the year while Shreyas Iyer hit a timely ton under pressure to set up a series sealing 99-run win for India in the second ODI against Australia on Sunday. Gill (104 off 97 balls) and Iyer (105 off 90 balls) shared a stroke-filled 200-run stand off 164 balls before Suryakumar Yadav (72 not out off 37 balls) unleashed carnage to fire India to 399 for five, the hosts' highest total against Australia in ODIs. Skipper KL Rahul chipped in with 52 off 38 balls.

India vs Australia: Shreyas Iyer Settles Middle-Order Debate Ahead Of Cricket World Cup 2023 With Timely Century

India might be treating the ongoing ODIs against Australia as a warm-up exercise before the World Cup but Shreyas Iyer had all to play for going into the three-match series. The 28-year-old has had to deal with his share of injuries since making his international debut back in 2017. The Asia Cup that India won marked his comeback from a back surgery after six months but a back spasm in the middle of the tournament meant he only got to bat once over the course of two weeks. Considering what he has gone through the year, especially the range of emotions in the last one month, a third ODI hundred could not have come at a better time for him. Iyer was India's designated number four before the injury pegged him back and a virtual no show in the Asia Cup meant his place in the playing eleven was far from secure.

India vs Australia, 2nd ODI: Pressure Mounts On Shreyas Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin For Performances That Count

Shreyas Iyer will be desperate for some runs after missing out on a flat track while the skillful R Ashwin will be searching for wickets in the middle overs when India take on Australia in the second ODI in Indore on Sunday. Despite missing four first-XI players, including skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, India were able to win the first ODI rather comfortably and look on course to secure the series at the Holkar Stadium which usually produces high-scoring games.

India vs Australia: Three Points To Focus For Indian Team Ahead Of Cricket World Cup

India will have some of the key points to focus at during the three-match ODI series against Australia, which also serves as the final dress rehearsal for the Cricket World Cup 2023 that begins October 5. With the key players of the Indian batting line-up - skipper Rohit Sharma and the Virat Kohli -- resting for the first two games along with lead spinner Kuldeep Yadav and ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya, it will be head coach Rahul Dravid's final chance to test the bench strength.