Why Shreyas Iyer Could Be Dropped From 2nd ODI Despite Brutal Fifty in 1st ODI

Shreyas Iyer cashed in against England in the first ODI, scoring 59 runs off of 36 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. He recreated Iyer’s blueprint and took the short ball on. He absolutely smashed Jofra Archer for two back-to-back sixes. That impressive knock will most likely guarantee Iyer’s spot on the roster for the ICC Champion Trophy at the number four position.

At the same time, Iyer was not part of the plans for India before that particular ODI and received the news around midnight. The batter stated that he was busy watching a flick when Rohit Sharma texted him, saying that there was a chance for him to play in the first ODI because Virat Kohli hes a bit unsure of playing. Kohli got ruled out with a knee injury and Iyer was able to wear the Indian jersey.

“Let me share a funny story,”

Iyer said. “I put on a movie the other night, hoping to prolong my evening a bit. And then, I got a call from the skipper that said you might play since Virat has a swollen knee. At that point I quickly returned to my room and went straight to sleep.”

Iyer himself did not shed much light when asked about Yashasvi Jaiswal starting ahead of him. If Iyer’s claims are anything to go by, India was looking to have Jaiswal open the innings with Rohit as the two established batsmen at the top of the order.

It seems Kohli was planned at number three, and Gill could have batted at four while KL Rahul rounded out the top order at five. This was perhaps a way India tried to use the warm-up games and test the depth of the team before the ICC Champions Trophy. But in the absence of Virat Kohli, the team had to shift their focus on Iyer.

“In their defense, with the way they batted there is no other way for me to think that would help my case. Everything they did negates my reasoning,” Iyer said while answering questions about Jaiswal starting the game instead of Iyer.

Why Iyer Might Be Omitted in The 2nd ODI

Given India’s patience while experimenting, they can go ahead with their original plan and play Jaiswal ahead of Iyer. Jaiswal underperformed in his first ODI, but India might want to give him one or two more outings before the Champions Trophy. With Kohli having returned, Iyer is perhaps one of the players that should be rested.

Iyer has become a regular fixture as India’s No. 4 in ODIs in the last few years. He was one of the leading run scorers during the 2023 World Cup where he made a total of 468 runs, at an astonishing average of 66.25. This also included two centuries, with a 70-ball 105 in the semi-final against New Zealand. For more details, visit 1xbetfair here