With a winning run of six games under their belt, Team India seemed to be invincible. After winning the first five games batting first, the Men in Blue dispelled any doubts about their capacity to defend a score.
Against England, they were dismissed for a dismal 129 in a 230-run chase, winning the match by 100 runs to take the top spot in the standings. With their current stellar performance, India is cruising to the World Cup final, if not the semifinals.
While every Indian player has shown up and delivered a game-winning effort, Shreyas Iyer hasn’t been as effective. Still, India has truly checked all the boxes. Iyer has scored zero, twenty-five, fifty-three, thirty-three, and four runs at 33.5 while batting at No. 4.
Iyer started well against New Zealand after finishing the match against Pakistan, but he was again caught off guard by a short ball. He was out even in the previous Sunday’s match against England while trying to get off a shot.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq noticed Shreyas’ run of wasted opportunities and took the time to explain in detail what’s wrong with Iyer and how his shortcomings could jeopardize his spot in India’s Playing XI.
“Hardik Pandya, who has recovered, must also return. I believe that KL Rahul at No. 5 is too late since Day 1. He is a top-notch talent and ought to bat fourth.
Suryakumar Yadav might bat sixth and Jadeja seventh once Hardik returns. Then, it would be harder for him (Iyer) to be selected. Iyer, who just achieved a century against Australia, is highly regarded and has amassed runs.
However, he generally has an average of 19–20 against quick bowling, and he struggles to find the short ball. All clubs will take advantage of your weakness when it becomes apparent,” Misbah stated on A Sports.
“He anticipates the short ball, and he frequently takes the shot even when faced with short balls that are difficult to pull, like as the one against England. You are therefore in danger since you are overanalyzing the short ball.
Look at his forefoot. It doesn’t move again after the first movement. Furthermore, he cannot play the short ball. Furthermore, he makes no attempt to sidestep the short ball.”
Wasim Akram, another legendary cricket player from Pakistan, echoed Misbah’s thoughts and provided a timely reminder of Ishan Kishan’s potential.
As the presenter questioned Shreyas’s weakness in the Indian lineup, labelling him “India’s weakest link,” the former captain of Pakistan brought up the intriguing middle-order possibility that left-handed batsman Ishan Kishan offers.
“Yes, he must play as he is a left-hander and Ishan Kishan is sitting out. Recall that he forged a friendship with Hardik Pandya in their opening Asia Cup match. so that he may bat in the middle order,” Akram continued.
