Shreyas Iyer’s Ranji innings vs Andhra Pradesh leaves selection questions for India series
The upcoming Test series against England has thrown a delicate curveball at the Indian team, particularly concerning the middle order and wicket-keeping roles. Shreyas Iyer, India’s designated No. 5 batsman, finds himself […]
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Jan 13, 2024 12:45 pm
Shreyas Iyer (Source – Twitter)
The upcoming Test series against England has thrown a delicate curveball at the Indian team, particularly concerning the middle order and wicket-keeping roles. Shreyas Iyer, India’s designated No. 5 batsman, finds himself in the precarious position of potentially losing his place to accommodate a specialist keeper on turning tracks.
Iyer’s credentials as a batsman are undeniable. His elegant stroke-making and unwavering temperament have earned him the trust of fans and selectors alike. However, his recent struggles in South Africa, coupled with the challenging conditions expected in the Tests, have opened the door for debate. The Indian pitches are notorious for offering extreme turn, a factor that necessitates a skilled keeper behind the stumps. While KL Rahul impressed with the gloves in South Africa, it is understood that the management wants to reduce the burden on him. The board also desires for a specialist keeper who can excel in these conditions and that further complicates Iyer’s position.
Iyer fails to make it big
Under pressure to solidify his place in India’s Test XI for the upcoming England series, Shreyas Iyer took to the Ranji Trophy in search of a statement innings. While his 48-run knock wasn’t the monumental score he craved, it offered glimpses of both promise and concern. Iyer, known for his vulnerability to short balls, looked comfortable facing Andhra’s pace attack.
He batted with intent, his 48 runs coming off just 48 balls and peppered with seven boundaries. This positive approach aligns with England’s new aggressive brand of cricket under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, a factor likely to play a big role in the upcoming series as India could be forced to play that way if the pitches are indeed tough.
At one point in time, the Andhra bowlers persistently targeted his fifth stump, and after initially weathering the storm, Iyer’s patience snapped. He chased a wide delivery, edging it behind to give up his wicket. This dismissal was a big blow to Iyer’s aspirations of retaining his pot and he must now make it count in the second innings.
