Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a crucial player in India’s ODI team. His ability to control the middle overs and take pressure off his partners has played a significant role in the team’s recent success. Despite not always getting the spotlight, his impact on the game is undeniable.
- Iyer stabilizes India’s innings, reducing risks for his teammates.
- He excels against spin, even on slow, turning pitches.
- His adaptability has made him one of the most consistent middle-order batters.
Iyer’s Ability to Free Up Partners
In the middle overs, Iyer helps his partners score freely by taking calculated risks. This allows players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill to focus on building their innings without undue pressure. Similar to Rohit Sharma’s attacking role at the top, Iyer ensures India maintains a strong scoring rate in the middle.
Mastery Against Spin
Iyer has displayed exceptional skills against spin, especially in the Champions Trophy. He has often started his innings against spinners with the field spread out. His footwork and shot selection have helped him become the most prolific batter against spin in Dubai. His ability to unsettle spinners is reminiscent of Saleem Malik’s approach in the 1990s.
Consistency and Adaptability
Despite the challenges of different pitches, Iyer has adapted his game effectively. In this tournament, he has played his slowest innings, yet he has been instrumental in India’s success. His knock against New Zealand—where he rescued the team from 30/3—highlights his ability to anchor innings under pressure.
A Golden Phase Since 2022
Since February 2022, Iyer has entered a golden phase in ODI cricket. Among players who have batted 30 or more times in this period, he ranks among the top 10 in impact. He has been a consistent run-scorer, playing a vital role in India’s middle order.
Iyer’s Key Stats (Post Powerplay Performances)
| Player | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Heinrich Klaasen | 50+ | 100+ |
| Aiden Markram | 50+ | 100+ |
| Shreyas Iyer | 50+ | 100+ |
| Shubman Gill | 50+ | 100+ |
Iyer and Klaasen are the only two who maintain these numbers even when their partners strike at 100+.
The Near Drop and His Comeback
At the start of this ODI season, Iyer was nearly dropped from the squad. A knee injury to Virat Kohli gave him an unexpected chance against England. He made the most of it, playing a match-winning knock and proving his worth. Since then, he has averaged 53.71, cementing his place in the XI.
The Importance of Iyer in India’s ODI Setup
Initially, India considered replacing Iyer with a left-handed batter to balance the lineup. However, his performances made him undroppable. With Rohit, Kohli, Gill, and Rahul already established, Iyer had to consistently prove himself. His ability to do so under pressure has solidified his role as a key middle-order batter.
Shreyas Iyer is a vital asset to India’s ODI team. His ability to control the middle overs, tackle spin, and adapt to different conditions has made him indispensable. His performances not only boost India’s chances but also highlight his growth as a world-class middle-order batter.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
