Team India’s astounding performance in the World Cup has left fans and critics alike in awe, with the Men in Blue remaining unbeaten in the tournament. Their unerring ability to secure victories, whether batting first or chasing, has set them on a path to World Cup glory. While India’s journey has been relatively smooth, some questions linger concerning the team’s composition as Hardik Pandya’s return looms on the horizon.
With six wins in as many matches and a semifinal spot virtually guaranteed, India has made its mark in the tournament, with their closest match coming against New Zealand. Even then, India managed to secure a win with four wickets in hand and 12 balls to spare, highlighting their remarkable form.
The Pandya-Iyer Conundrum
The only challenge that seems to confront the Indian team is the impending return of Hardik Pandya, who has been out due to injury. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami have stepped up to the plate, making crucial contributions. Shami’s fiery spell has seen him pick up nine wickets in two games, while Suryakumar Yadav made amends for his run out against New Zealand with a crucial 49 against England.
However, the dilemma now revolves around the team composition. When Hardik Pandya returns, decisions will have to be made about who gets dropped to accommodate him. Based on the current form, it appears that Shreyas Iyer could be the one facing the axe. Iyer has had scores of 0, 25, 53, 19, 33, and 4 in the tournament, batting at No. 4, and his struggles against short-pitched deliveries have been evident.
Nasser Hussain’s Advice
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has weighed in on Iyer’s challenges, emphasizing the need for him to rectify his vulnerability to short-pitched deliveries before it becomes a significant problem. Hussain noted that word spreads quickly in international cricket, and opposition teams will look to exploit any known weaknesses.
“The worst one is the short ball because you know you’re going to get it every time. It started with the Test series in England. Word spreads very quickly, you know that there is a vulnerability against it,” Hussain cautioned.
Iyer’s Determination to Improve
Shreyas Iyer seems determined to overcome his shortcomings. He recently dedicated two hours in the nets, honing his skills to counter short-pitched deliveries. Hussain pointed out the cases of two highly accomplished former cricketers, Suresh Raina and Steve Waugh, who successfully tackled their difficulties with bouncers through persistent practice.
“The more you play and the more you practice, some players get better at it. Suresh Raina, when he first came in, had issues against the short ball. He got better at it. Steve Waugh, whom I’ve played against so much, looked uncomfortable but we barely got him out in the end. He just got to work hard,” Hussain emphasized.
As India’s World Cup journey continues with unwavering dominance, the question of team composition remains a key point of discussion, especially with Hardik Pandya’s impending return. Shreyas Iyer’s struggles against short-pitched deliveries add another layer of complexity to the selection dilemma. However, with determination and hard work, Iyer aims to conquer his demons and contribute to India’s quest for World Cup glory.
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