After winning six matches in a row, India are currently occupying the top spot in the ICC ODI World Cup with 12 points in their kitty.
While the Men in Blue have ticked all boxes and most of the players are performing well, one player that has not fired as much is struggling middle order batsman Shreyas Iyer. Batting at the crucial position of No.4, he has so far scored 134 runs from six matches in the ongoing mega event with an average of 33.5.
Iyer has so far struggled against short ball. In the previous game against England also, he got out while attempting a pull shot. As per several experts, Iyer’s poor form and continuous failures could put his place in India’s Playing XI in jeopardy.
“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 six and Jadeja seven. Then 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,” said former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq during an interview.
Moreover, former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram is also of the same view. Akram reminded southpaw Ishan Kishan’s potential. As per Akram, either Kishan or Suryakumar should be included in the playing XI in place of struggling Iyer once Hardik joins the team.