Former India batter Aakash Chopra has said that we don’t really know about Shreyas Iyer’s form since his return from injury. India defeated Australia by five wickets at the PCA Stadium in Mohali to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said we don’t know about Iyer’s form since his return from injury. Iyer scored 3 runs against Australia in Mohali and has struggled since his return from a long-term back injury.
“Shreyas Iyer got run out, so we don’t really know about his form. There are only two matches left now and if India are unable to find out about his form, they will be trouble. There are questions to ponder in the middle order. Rahul is playing well, but what about Shreyas and Ishan Kishan? One of them will play in the middle order,” said Chopra.
He went on to say that Suryakumar Yadav batted quite well and needs to do well regularly in ODIs. Suryakumar scored 51 runs off 49 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and a solitary six.
“Everyone in the team management showed faith in him because he is a good player. And Suryakumar Yadav batted quite well. He finds gaps and puts pressure on the bowlers. A lot of times, he plays scoops, but this time he played strokes down the ground. He needs to do this regularly in ODIs and, if he does that, his ability to score runs in ODIs will increase manifold,” Chopra added.
Chopra said Suryakumar could take up the number 5 spot instead of Ishan Kishan or Iyer as well if he can adapt to the ODI template. Suryakumar is part of India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
“Suryakumar batting at five instead of Kishan or Shreyas is also a possibility. That is of course if Suryakumar finds the ODI template. He has made a start,” said Chopra.
India will now be facing Australia in the second match of the series at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.