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India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been on the receiving end of criticism after he skipped a Ranji Trophy match amidst an injury scare. Iyer was released from the Test squad for the last three Tests against England and chose not to play for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Earlier this week, he was not considered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) annual central contracts list.
There have been mixed reactions to Iyer not getting a central contract. Meanwhile, he has made himself available for Mumbai’s semi-final match against Tamil Nadu and skipper Ajinkya Rahane is thrilled to have an experienced player back in the side.
“He's an experienced player. His contribution has been amazing whenever he turned up for Mumbai. We are thrilled to have him in our team for the semifinal,” Rahane was quoted as saying by PTI at the BKC Ground, Mumbai.
Rahane feels that Iyer does not need extra motivation but his presence will be a big boost for others in the dressing room.
“I don't think he needs any encouragement or advice. He has always contributed with the bat for Mumbai, and him being around other players in the dressing room will also help the team’s cause,” said Rahane.
Iyer's form in red-ball cricket
Iyer struggled for form in the two Tests against England. He could not convert starts into big scores. Earlier, he made one appearance for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Against Andhra Pradesh, he contributed with a quickfire 48-run knock.
Shaw ready for semifinal after injury scare
Meanwhile, Rahane also confirmed that in-form Prithvi Shaw has recovered from a finger injury which forced him to bat in the middle-order during the quarterfinal clash against Baroda.
“His finger was hurt, that’s why he came down the order. We wanted him to go before Musheer (Khan). But obviously, because of the injection’s effect, he had to go after him,” the 35-year-old said.
Rahane feels that Shaw should stick to his natural game and continue the good form against Tamil Nadu.
“Prithvi is really aggressive and he gets those runs very quickly. As a batsman, I don't think he (has) changed much. He's hungry to score runs. That's what we want from Prithvi. We don't want him to change his game,” he opined.
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