Inside Story: Shreyas' Late Replacement for Virat in 1st ODI
The first ODI between India and England in Nagpur was one of those shockers even before the game was played. India won the nail-biting thriller by four wickets, and one of the biggest revelations finally came after the game when it was Shreyas Iyer who revealed that he was not a part of the XI.
A last-minute injury to Virat Kohli opened the door for Iyer and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He made an important counter-attacking 59 off 36 balls as India remained in control of the chase despite early setbacks.
Now, let us go deep into how this plot brewed and at the right time how Shreyas Iyer delivered.
A Late-Night Call That Changed Everything
After the match, Iyer spoke to reporters and shared an interesting anecdote of how he found out about his inclusion in the playing eleven. Iyer explained that he had watched a movie on the eve of the game, thinking he could sleep late. Suddenly, he received a phone call from captain Rohit Sharma, who told him that Virat Kohli wasn’t playing due to a swollen knee.
Iyer’s Reaction to the Unexpected Call-Up:
“Funny story, I was watching a movie last night, and I thought I could extend my night. But then I got a call from the skipper saying that I may play because Virat has a swollen knee. And then I hurried back to my room and went off to sleep straight.”
But Iyer, despite the sudden change, was much better prepared for the match mentally and physically. His performance reflected clarity of thought and excellent shot selection, hence proving that he was ready to step up when needed.
Iyer’s Match-Winning Knock: A Masterclass in Counter-Attack
With India losing both openers early, Iyer walked in at a crucial stage. England’s pace attack, first from Jofra Archer and then Saqib Mahmood was breathing fire, and India needed someone to take charge.
Salient Features of Iyer’s Knock:
- 59 runs off 36 balls
- Second-fastest ODI fifty of his career-30 balls
- Took on the short-ball attack of England fearlessly
- Effective use of the crease against 140+ kmph deliveries
Iyer has wasted no time putting the pressure back on England by punishing anything short and finding gaps. He played aggressively against the pacers, especially Archer, whose short balls made him struggle in the previous series.
“Obviously, they were predominantly bowling a lot of short deliveries, and I decided to use the pace. That was my mindset—try to hit the ball in the air as much as possible because the field was also inside. They were pretty attacking at the start.”
His approach meant that India didn’t lag behind in the chase despite losing early wickets, thus giving the momentum to the middle order to cash in on.
Lessons from Domestic Cricket: The Secret Behind Iyer’s Success
Iyer attributed his recent game and mental approach to the cricket he had played of late in the domestic circuit. Playing continuously in the domestic circuit, Iyer had clarity regarding his role and mindset.
“Playing throughout the domestic season taught me a lot and gave me a decent idea about how to approach my innings. The attitude I have to keep, the mindset I have to develop—it all became clearer.”
Thereby, besides the mental part, his skill set against the pace bowlers improved a great deal, specifically against short-pitched deliveries that had troubled him in previous seasons.
“In domestic cricket, you don’t get to face 140+ kmph pace often, so we ask the side-arm specialists to bowl on the body line as much as possible. I’m glad that I was able to execute my plans well today.”
His adaptability and capability to raise the level of the game against quality bowling attacks will make him more valuable to the Indian team.
The Number 4 Conundrum: Where Does Iyer Stand?
In the years gone by, India has sought a regular No.4 in ODIs high and low; he’s among the few who’ve been able to make it his own: 1,300-plus runs since his debut at an average of 51.74, an assuring middle-order option.
Iyer’s ODI Stats:
- Matches: 51
- Runs: 1,397
- Average: 51.74
- Centuries: 4
He is a perfect fit, anchoring the innings and accelerating at will, but his place in the XI is in jeopardy after the inclusion of Virat Kohli for the second ODI.
“It’s been outstanding. I wasn’t supposed to play the first game, but I had kept myself prepared. I knew that at any point in time, I could get a chance.”
India, though, could be forced to choose between Iyer and the struggling-on-debut Yashasvi Jaiswal for the second ODI.
What’s Next for Iyer and Team India?
The Champions Trophy preparation will be in focus for India as the series progresses, making this ODI series the last opportunity to iron out the wrinkles of the squad.
Key Questions for India:
- Who will bat at No. 4 when Kohli returns?
- Will Iyer keep his place or will Jaiswal get another chance?
- How does India balance the middle order between KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja?
Iyer’s performance in the first ODI has made team selection interesting. His ability to deliver under pressure could work in his favor as India looks to finalize their best XI for the Champions Trophy.
Final Thoughts: A Timely Reminder of Iyer’s Value
The knock at Nagpur by Shreyas Iyer was a good reminder of his immense talent and adaptability-from last-minute replacement to playing a match-winning inning, he showed that he belongs at the highest level.
Iyer’s hunger for runs and ability to perform under pressure has made him a strong contender for a permanent spot in the squad as India moves forward in this ODI series and beyond.
With Virat Kohli coming back into the mix, the coming games will define his role in the Indian setup as far as 50-overs cricket is concerned. For sure, when he gets the opportunity, Shreyas Iyer will be ready!
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