Is this high time? No, it’s the countdown time. The countdown for what? For the World Cup only. Yes, this is the time the whole cricket fraternity has been waiting for the last four years. The last two cricket World Cup was truly heartbreaking. But this is a new beginning. After years, India is hosting this edition of the World Cup. So, Indian fans are more excited for this World Cup. They are just waiting to cheer for their favorite player. Maybe it can be Kohli, Rohit, Gill, Siraj or Iyer.
Shreyas Iyer is a responsible number-four batter for India. When Rohit Kohli and Gill got out fans started praying for Iyer to save India. And by any chance, Shreyas Iyer becomes fiery Iyer then fans become relieved. But this is quite a few times now, that we have not witnessed fier Ier on the big stage. It was an injury setback for Shreyas. Let’s check what it was.
The Injury Setback:
Injury has always been a big issue for this right-handed batter of India. Earlier this year, India was playing a test match against Australia. While fielding, he sustained a back injury. Despite that fact, Iyer was ruled out for the ODI series against Australia. Injured Shreyas missed the whole IPL 2023 because of that injury. Initially, he did not opt for surgery. But in April 2023, He ended up going under the knife for that back issue.
It was a concern of a bulge in one of the discs in his spine which resulted in an impugned nerve. The nerve runs along the right leg and has caused shooting pain in Iyer’s calf. He missed the WTC final and the whole IPL 2023 because of this setback.
And it continues:
But due to rehabilitation, Shreyas made a comeback in the Indian squad before the Asia Cup. It was a huge relief to fans and the team. He was all set to go. He played the group stage match against Pakistan. It was not a desired score for him. But in the match between India and Pakistan in Super 4, just a few times before the toss, this youngster sustained a back spasm. He didn’t play any matches after that. It was not a serious one but just before the World Cup, team management didn’t want to take any risk on him.
After the Asia Cup Shreyas Iyer is set to return in action. Before the World Cup, India will play a three-match ODI series against Australia from September 22. Fiery Iyer is returning to cricket action through this series before entering into the biggest competition of cricket.
Iyer as Mr. Dependable at number 4 in ODI:
Injury has taken a lot from Shreyas Iyer. he missed some of the big milestones of his career. But better let than never. In this World Cup, we can see a different version of Shreyas. In ODI cricket, along with the openers, middle-order batters played a crucial role. If in any case, openers fail, the responsibility comes over to the middle order. Over the years, India has been searching for a responsible number 4 batter. After Shreyas’s debut, the problem was almost solved.
Since his debut, Shreyas has played in several batting positions. But Number 4 was meant for him. Somehow this position got bring the best out of him. He played 21 innings in the number 4 position. While batting in that position he scored 819 runs which contains 2 centuries and 5 half centuries. He registered his highest score unbeaten 113 while batting in this position. In this position, his batting average is 45.50. This calculation is best so far by the right-handed ODI batter.
Shreyas is a perfect ODI batter. After making a debut in 2017, Iyer played 46 matches. In this match five times he remained not out. In ODI he played 182 boundaries and 34 over boundaries.
Shreyas’s role in the World Cup:
Shreyas Iyer always played a vital role in India’s ODI side. Despite all the injury setbacks, he is the consistent one. The big tournament is coming close. India is hosting another World Cup after 13 years. Expectations are high. A big responsibility will be on his shoulders. A lot of experienced players are in the squad.
As number 4 batter:
Despite all the facts, being a number four batter, Iyer can be a black horse for India’s World Cup win. In number 4 he has a batting average of 45.50 and his strike rate is over 95.01. This is huge. This is an example of a responsible number 4 batter. He will play a big role in contributing runs for India.
Big responsibilities to take:
Just not scoring runs, it is also important to maintain some good partnership with the top orders along with the power hitter. Shreyas, himself can hit big shots. He can smash balls outside the stadium. His tactics are pleasing to watch. His cricketing brain is so sharp. He can stay calm amidst a pressure situation
Rehearsal for the big stage starts from here:
It is just a few days left to begin the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Before that India will lock horns with Australia on home soil. It will be a big stage for both teams as well as for Shreyas Iyer. he is coming back from a long setback. This series can be a big rehearsal stage for him. From this stage, he can start showing his fiery knocks. The first match of this series will start on September 22. That day Iyer will make a comeback. Fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for the Iyer show on the field.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
