Shreyas Iyer's Test career marred with injuries, inconsistency and discipline
Shreyas Iyer, a key player for India, was left out of the Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. This decision follows a period of persistent injuries and inconsistent performances by the 29-year-old batter. Iyer has been troubled with recurring back issues that largely impacted his form in Test cricket throughout 2023. He is currently leading India D in the 2024 Duleep Trophy. Here's more.
Iyer's struggles with injuries and form
Iyer's career has been plagued by injuries, causing frequent absences and inconsistent performances, which eventually led to him being dropped from the Test squad. His struggles were not limited to physical ailments but also extended to his performance on the field. Despite a strong start in Test cricket, Iyer's form declined and his inability to deliver key performances when it mattered most.
BCCI's disciplinary action and Iyer's ODI success
Adding to his troubles, the BCCI took disciplinary action against Iyer for allegedly skipping domestic matches. This decision followed his stellar performance in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, where he became the first Indian batter to score over 500 runs batting at number four. Despite this achievement, Iyer was unable to replicate his success in Test cricket, further contributing to his exclusion from the squad.
Iyer's technique exposed on overseas tours
Iyer's technique was severely tested during tours of England and South Africa, where bowlers exploited his vulnerability to short deliveries. Since 2023, he has struggled in Test matches, failing to score a half-century and amassing only 187 runs in 11 innings at a paltry average of 17. His decline was further highlighted following India's defeat against visitors England in the first Test of the year, where he scored 35 and 13.
Iyer's determination to reclaim his spot
Despite being dropped from the squad, Iyer remains determined to reclaim his place in the team. He has already begun this journey with a fifty in the first round of the Duleep Trophy. The Mumbai cricketer will also be seen in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025 matches, starting January, 2025. Iyer needs to evaluate his performance and inconsistency in addition to addressing his short ball woes.
Iyer scored a fifty for India D
India D skipper Iyer smashed a breezy 54-run knock in his side's second innings against India C in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 at Rural Development Trust Stadium, Anantapur. Iyer, who fell for just nine runs in the first innings, faced 44 balls for his 54 in the 2nd innings. He struck at 122.72. However, India C went on to defeat India D. Iyer's Duleep Trophy performance is crucial for him as he targets a place against New Zealand.
