Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer played a knock of 59 runs off 36 balls, which also included 9 fours and 2 sixes, coming after India had lost both openers within the first six overs in the first ODI of the three-match series which was being played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, on February 6 (Thursday). However, Iyer revealed that he wasn't originally in the starting XI and only learned late at night that he would be playing, replacing the injured Virat Kohli. This turned out in his favour as the batter played a crucial knock.
Iyer on his spot in playing XI
In a post-match interview, Iyer disclosed that he had been watching a movie and intended to stay up late on Wednesday, February 5. He then received a late-night call from Rohit Sharma, who informed him that Kohli had a swollen knee and wouldn't be playing in the series opener. Iyer jokingly mentioned that he had to cut his movie night short and go to bed early to ensure he was fresh for the game the following day.
"Funny story, I was watching a movie last night, and I thought I could extend my night. But then I got a call from the skipper saying that I may play because Virat has a swollen knee. And then I hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straight," Shreyas Iyer told the broadcaster after the match.
India batting coach on Iyer
In the pre-match press conference for the second ODI which will take place in Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, on February 9 (Sunday), India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak chose to remain tight-lipped while talking about Iyer's spot in the first ODI and said Captain and head coach are better people to answer that question.
India's batting coach also revealed that Virat Kohli who missed the first ODI due to a sore knee is now completely fit to make an appearance in the second ODI. However, with the Indian batting maestro returning to the team either Shreyas Iyer or Yashasvi Jaiswal will be sitting out of the game. There's no confirmation as of now on who will be warming the match.