Team India has been searching for a dependable number four batsman in their playing XI for the last 2 years. They tried many batsmen but they failed to do justice. But it seems they have found the man they were looking for in Shreyas Iyer.
Iyer has been giving some really good performances for the Men in Blue in recent times. In 5 innings played for India at number 4 in ODIs, Iyer has scored 181 runs at an average of 46. He made his record better in T20 Internationals and amassed 216 runs in 6 innings at an average of 54 and a strike-rate of more than 170.
Speaking about Iyer’s contribution, India’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, praised the youngster for showing his consistency when the side needed him the most. He further stated that the management was thinking to give youngsters like Iyer a longer rope so that they can express themselves better.
Rathour noticed that the more opportunities these guys will get, India would be able to produce more match-winners in the coming years.
“The more opportunities that these guys get, they are showing that they are capable of. They are showing that they are match-winners on their day. That will help the team, of course, but it will also help their confidence,” Rathour said.
The former Indian cricketer also highlighted KL Rahul’s name on the basis of the performances he has given in recent matches. He is now donning the wicketkeeping gloves too as Rishabh Pant had to sit out because of the concussion he endured during the ODI series against Australia. Rahul has been doing good so far behind the wickets and even skipper Virat Kohli thinks that there is no need for a change.
Talking about Rahul, the batting coach said that he is already a match-winner and has showed the world what kind of amazing talent he is.
“Having seen KL (Rahul) and Shreyas as young cricketers coming through, in my mind, I have absolutely no doubt that they are match-winners. They are getting their opportunities now and they are showing the world what they are capable of, that is great to see,” added Vikram Rathour.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are showing their worth in the ongoing T20 International series against New Zealand. In the first game, both scored half-centuries and took India to the winning target.
Meanwhile, in the second game, they both stitched an amazing 86-run partnership for the third wicket, which helped India take a 2-0 lead in the series.
The third game will take place tomorrow at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
