Team India's recent performance on the cricket field has been nothing short of remarkable, securing six consecutive victories in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Their latest triumph over England, where they defended 230 runs by restricting the opposition to a mere 129, solidified their position at the top of the table.
With each player consistently delivering match-winning performances, the Men in Blue are displaying a formidable and dominant presence on their journey towards the highly anticipated World Cup final.
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However, amidst India's stellar run, one player who has faced certain challenges is Shreyas Iyer. With a recent series of underwhelming performances, including scores of 0, 25, 53, 19, 33, and 4, Iyer's position within the team has become a topic of scrutiny.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has raised concerns regarding Iyer's performance, pointing out specific technical shortcomings that have contributed to his struggles against certain types of bowling, particularly the short ball.
Misbah emphasised the significance of addressing these weaknesses, suggesting that Iyer's position in the team could be at stake. "Hardik Pandya has to return too after being fit. From Day 1, I feel that KL Rahul at No. 5 is too late. He is a class player and should bat at No. 4. Once Hardik is back, Suryakumar Yadav can bat 6 and Jadeja 7. Then his (Iyer's) selection would become difficult.
"Iyer has scored runs; he is coming off a hundred against Australia, is rated high. But overall, his average against fast bowling is around 19-20 and when it comes to short balls, he is just not able to find it. When your weakness comes to the fore, all teams will exploit it," Misbah said on A Sports.
"He is expecting the short ball and many times, even against short-of-length balls which aren't ideal for pulling, like the one against England, he goes for the shot. So, you are overthinking about the short ball and you are in trouble. See his front foot. After the initial movement, it goes nowhere. And he is in no position to play the short ball. And he doesn't even try to avoid the short ball."
Wasim Akram, another Pakistan pacer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Ishan Kishan's past contributions and his ability to form critical partnerships. While the focus remains on addressing challenges within the team's composition, it is crucial to acknowledge the consistent brilliance displayed by Suryakumar Yadav.
With impressive scores of 50, an unbeaten 72, and a solid 49, Yadav has proven himself as a vital asset within the middle order, successfully navigating the complexities of One Day International (ODI) cricket. His strategic placement at No. 6 further solidifies India's batting line-up, contributing to the team's overall stability and success in crucial encounters.
"Yeah, he has to perform because Ishan Kishan is sitting out and he is a left-hander. Remember the first game he played in the Asia Cup, he and Hardik Pandya struck a partnership. So he can bat in the middle order," added Akram.
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