India vs England: Shreyas Iyer gives mouth-shutting reply to Indian team management

When Virat Kohli pulled out of the first ODI against England due to a knee injury, it was initially believed that Yashasvi Jaiswal would be the one to replace him in the playing XI. However, post-match, Shreyas Iyer revealed that he would not have featured in the game had Kohli been fit. This unexpected revelation sheds light on the strategic thinking of the Indian team management, especially as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The decision to include Iyer despite Kohli’s absence highlights a key aspect of India’s batting strategy, particularly head coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for a left-right combination in the top order.

India vs England: Shreyas Iyer has become a make-shift player in the India playing XI?

This combination is known to be a challenge for opposition bowlers, as it forces them to adjust their line and length frequently. By having both left-handed and right-handed batsmen in the lineup, India aims to maintain a balanced attack and ensure their batting order remains unpredictable. With the Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, the Indian team is clearly focused on fine-tuning their balance and combinations, making sure they have the right mix to succeed on the international stage. The rotation of players and such decisions indicate that India’s management is preparing for every possible scenario as they aim to field their strongest squad.

“As you all know I wasn’t supposed to play today. Virat unfortunately got injured and then I got the opportunity. I kept myself prepared. I knew that at any point of time I can get a chance to play. The same thing happened with me last year as well during the Asia Cup. I got injured and someone else came in and scored a century,” stated Shreyas Iyer in a conversation post the 1st ODI against England. 

The focus before the ODI series wasn’t primarily on Shreyas Iyer, as he was expected to be part of India’s middle order, known for his aggressive stroke play. Unlike Rishabh Pant, who is not included in the ODI setup, India prefers KL Rahul to handle wicketkeeping duties, leaving Hardik Pandya as the key attacking option lower down the order. With both Rahul and Pandya in the middle, the Indian team required another aggressive presence in the lineup to complement their attacking approach.

Iyer’s inclusion was seen as a tactical move to provide an additional counter-attacking option, especially given his ability to accelerate the innings. His aggressive batting style would offer flexibility, allowing India to shift gears in the middle overs when required. The team management’s decision to use Iyer in such a role reflects their intent to strengthen their batting lineup, ensuring there is no lack of firepower in the middle and lower order. This approach adds depth to India’s batting and provides them with another dimension in terms of counter-attacking cricket, which can prove crucial in high-pressure situations.

Thursday’s revelation marked a potential shift in India’s strategy for the ODI series. With Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inclusion likely becoming a regular feature in the lineup, it’s anticipated that Shubman Gill will move to the No. 3 spot, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 4. This new combination could see left-handed Axar Patel coming in next, with either KL Rahul or Hardik Pandya following, depending on the situation of the game. This restructuring appears to align with a fresh approach, aiming for a more balanced batting order while maintaining flexibility in the middle.

Shreyas Iyer’s dazzling fifty in the first ODI, which shifted the momentum back in India’s favor, added to the intrigue surrounding the team’s combination for the upcoming match. His knock demonstrated his ability to anchor the innings while maintaining an aggressive approach, adding another dimension to India’s middle-order strength. It will be interesting to see whether the team sticks to this configuration or if any further adjustments are made for the second ODI. Iyer also shared a light moment, revealing that he was watching a movie the night before the match and had planned to extend his night. However, a call disrupted his plans, leading to his last-minute inclusion in the playing XI. This candid admission added a touch of humor to the otherwise tense build-up to the match.

“I got a call from the skipper (Rohit Sharma) saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. I went back to my room and went off to sleep straight away,” Iyer laughed.