The India National Cricket Team’s crushing 87-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20I has raised questions about captain Shreyas Iyer's batting form. However, Shreyas Iyer has been defended by Shardul Thakur who explained why his performance shouldn’t be judged on the basis of a few matches.
Shardul believes that batting at No. 4 is not an easy job in T20 cricket, as the player has to adjust according to the match situation. He also pointed out that Iyer has the additional responsibility of leading the Indian team, which makes his job even more challenging. Earlier, Shreyas Iyer wins 19 tosses in 25 matches, sets record among Full Member captains.
New Zealand posted a massive target of 260 runs in the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday, October 30. India managed only 172/9 and suffered an 87-run loss to the Kiwis.
Iyer scored 22 runs off 11 balls in the match. The Indian captain has managed only 80 runs across the four innings in New Zealand, although the Men in Blue have already clinched the T20I series 3-1. Reviewing Iyer’s performance, Shardul explained that a middle-order batter cannot always play freely because his approach depends on the situation created by the top-order batters.
He highlighted that the top three usually set the momentum of the innings, while a No. 4 or No. 5 batter has to react according to the scoreboard. Sometimes, Iyer also comes in at No. 5 when the team sends a left-handed batter ahead of him as a tactical move.
Shardul Thakur said on Sony LIV, “Many times, how you bat depends on the match situation, and at the number he bats, he has to react to the situation. He cannot set the momentum. The momentum gets set by the top three batters, but Shreyas Iyer comes at No. 4, and sometimes at No. 5 if the left-hander is sent in as a tactical call.”
Shardul Thakur highlights Shreyas Iyer's big responsibility
Shardul further explained that Iyer has to handle several responsibilities. He needs to build his innings, increase the scoring rate, and also play aggressive shots towards the end.
Therefore, the Indian captain’s role requires him to change his approach according to the team's needs. Amid this, Rahul Tewatia and Kulwant Khejroliya recreate Saeed Ajmal and Shoaib Malik's missed catch in Hong Kong Sixes.
He added, “You have to react based on the situation and the scoreboard. So, it's not an easy position to bat, and once you get set, you also need death batting. So, it's a challenge as to how you adapt to the game, set the tempo of your batting, and finish as well. So, he has a lot of responsibility.”
Shardul Thakur defends Shreyas Iyer amid criticism
Shardul said that Iyer is the Indian captain now, so his responsibility has increased. He believes captaincy can make decision-making difficult at times, especially in a fast-moving T20 format.
However, Shardul highlighted that Iyer has led Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings to IPL finals. He had won the title with KKR and led Punjab Kings to the final. Shardul also feels Iyer has made a strong comeback after facing a difficult start to his captaincy career with India.
Thakur signed off by saying, “On top of that, he is the captain. That's an added responsibility for him these days. So, the decision-making can be up and down at times. So, he has the captaincy skills, and he is showing that when he is leading the Indian team.
Ups and downs keep happening in T20 cricket. You don't need to judge any batter or bowler much in this format, and Shreyas Iyer too as a captain.”
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