Former India player Sanjay Bangar feels that Indian team management are looking at Shreyas Iyer as a backup option for the no.3 slot in the Indian batting line-up for the upcoming world cup.
Coincidentally after the T20 World Cup 2021, Shreyas Iyer played every match for India in which Kohli was rested. Firstly Kohli was rested in the 3-match series against New Zealand in which Iyer got a chance then as India took a 2-0 lead in the series against West Indies, Kohli was again given a break and Shreyas got a chance to bat at no.3.
Shreyas Iyer scored 28-ball 57 in the first match against Sri Lanka
Similarly in the first match against Sri Lanka on Thursday, he batted at no.3 and cashed in the opportunity with a terrific knock of 28-ball 57. Speaking to Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar explained that Shreyas Iyer can be a good no.3 batter as a backup for Virat Kohli.
“The bench is getting strong. The position at which Shreyas is being sent to bat, he is being continuously sent at No. 3. So God forbid if Virat Kohli gets injured in some match, I feel he can become a very good option at No. 3 and that is probably where the team management’s sights are set on Shreyas Iyer,” said Sanjay Bangar.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also lauded Shreyas Iyer. He was especially in awe of his non-looker six. However, he also pointed out that Shreyas Iyer is not the type of batter who can hit the first ball in every innings.
“This guy has the swag. When this boy is in form, it is enjoyable to watch. The big shots he plays, he doesn’t stay at one spot but despite that, the balance he generates, it is his own ability,” Irfan Pathan said.
“I like the non-looker six he hits the most. The two sixes he hit off the slower ones – one-off Karunaratne and later off Chameera. He answered the critics with his bat, you don’t need to answer with your tongue. If we expect Shreyas Iyer to bat always at a strike rate of around 160, that’s not going to happen, he is a different batter.” he added.
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