Former Pakistan cricket captains, Misbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram have highlighted concerns about India’s middle-order batsman, Shreyas Iyer, as the team progresses in the World Cup 2023. The duo pointed out Iyer’s vulnerability against short balls and suggested potential changes in India’s playing XI.
India’s performance in the World Cup has been impressive, securing a six-match winning streak and dominating the tournament. Despite their success, the form of Shreyas Iyer has become a talking point. With scores of 0, 25, 53, 19, 33, and 4, Iyer’s struggles have not gone unnoticed.
Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his concerns, emphasizing that Hardik Pandya’s return to the team is imminent after recovery. He suggested that KL Rahul, a class player, should bat at No. 4, pushing Iyer down the order.
“Hardik Pandya needs to make a comeback once he’s fit. Since the beginning, I’ve felt that KL Rahul at No. 5 is too late. He’s a skilled player and should bat at No. 4. When Hardik returns, Suryakumar Yadav can bat at 6, and Jadeja at 7. At that point, selecting Iyer would become challenging. He has scored runs, including a hundred against Australia, and has a high rating. However, his average against fast bowling is around 19-20, and he struggles with short balls. When your weakness is exposed, all teams will take advantage of it,” Misbah said during an interview on A Sports.
“He anticipates the short ball, and often, even against short-of-length deliveries, which aren’t suitable for pulling, like the one against England, he attempts the shot. So, there’s an overthinking issue about the short ball, leading to trouble. Observe his front foot—after the initial movement, it goes nowhere. He’s not in a position to handle the short ball, and there’s a lack of effort to avoid it,” he added.
Wasim Akram echoed Misbah’s sentiments and drew attention to the alternative option of Ishan Kishan.
“Yes, he needs to deliver because Ishan Kishan, a left-hander, is on the sidelines. Recall the initial game he played in the Asia Cup, where he formed a partnership with Hardik Pandya. That experience makes him a suitable option for batting in the middle order,” Akram said.