Shreyas Iyer Reveals: Played India’s 4-wicket victory against England in the first ODI of the three-match series saw remarkable performances from Shubman Gill (87) and Shreyas Iyer (59), ensuring a dominant chase of England’s 248-run total. However, after the match, Shreyas Iyer made a surprising revelation that sparked debates across the cricketing world.
Shreyas Iyer Was Not Originally in the Playing XI
Shreyas Iyer Reveals: Played In a post-match interview, Shreyas Iyer dropped a bombshell, stating that he was not originally part of India’s playing XI for the 1st ODI and was only included because of Virat Kohli’s unexpected injury.
“I wasn’t supposed to be in the XI, but things change quickly in cricket. I’m happy I could contribute to the team’s win.” – Shreyas Iyer
This statement raised eyebrows, as it hinted at last-minute changes in the team selection strategy. Fans began questioning whether the team management and selectors had overlooked Iyer’s abilities in favor of other players.
Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir Under Scrutiny
Following Iyer’s revelation, skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir faced criticism from fans and cricket pundits. Many questioned why a player of Iyer’s caliber, who has a strong ODI record, was not initially included in the playing XI.
Possible Reasons Behind Iyer’s Initial Exclusion
- Team Combination – With Yashasvi Jaiswal making his ODI debut, the management might have been experimenting with the lineup.
- Injury Concerns – Iyer’s recent back issues may have played a role in the decision.
- Middle-Order Congestion – With Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul already in the squad, the competition for a spot was intense.
Despite not being the first choice, Iyer made the most of his opportunity, playing a crucial innings that strengthened India’s chase.
Shreyas Iyer’s Knock: A Statement Performance
Chasing 249, India lost early wickets, but Iyer’s aggressive 59 off 36 balls, featuring two sixes and nine fours, ensured that the momentum remained with the hosts. His confident strokeplay, especially against the short ball—once considered his weakness—proved that he is still a valuable asset to India’s middle order.
“I have worked hard on my game, especially on tackling short-pitched deliveries. This innings was a confidence booster for me.” – Shreyas Iyer
What This Means for India’s ODI Strategy
As the series progresses, the Indian team management might need to reconsider their selection approach. Virat Kohli’s availability for the second ODI remains uncertain, which means Iyer is likely to retain his place.
Key Takeaways:
- Iyer proved his worth with a match-winning knock
- Rohit Sharma and Gambhir may need to rethink team selections
- Middle-order stability will be crucial for upcoming games
With a 1-0 lead in the series, India will aim to continue their winning momentum in the second ODI. However, the bigger question remains: Will Iyer now be a permanent fixture in India’s playing XI?
What are your thoughts on Iyer’s revelation? Should he be a guaranteed starter? Share your opinions in the comments!