Basit Ali lambasts Shreyas Iyer's performance in Duleep Trophy
Former Pakistani cricketer, Basit Ali, has expressed his disappointment over Shreyas Iyer's performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024. Iyer, who was dismissed for a duck in the second-round match against India A on Friday, September 13, has not been selected for the first Test against Bangladesh. His dismissal came at the hands of Khaleel Ahmed after facing just seven balls.
Ali questions Iyer's commitment to red-ball cricket
Ali, in his YouTube Channel, questioned Iyer's dedication to red-ball cricket. He suggested that the 29-year-old batter should have scored a century or double century in this match. "As a cricketer, it saddens me to see him. If you are getting out in front, your concentration isn't in the game," Ali said. He also noted that Iyer was fortunate that experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were not participating in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024.
Ali criticizes Iyer's approach to red-ball cricket
Ali further criticized Iyer's approach to red-ball cricket, stating that he seems more interested in scoring boundaries than prioritizing the format. "Iyer doesn't have the hunger for red-ball cricket anymore. He's only hungry for boundaries," Ali said. The former Pakistani cricketer also warned Iyer against comparing himself with Virat Kohli after his two centuries in the World Cup, emphasizing that such comparisons are misguided.
Ali disapproves of Iyer's selection for Duleep Trophy
Ali also expressed his disapproval of the selectors' decision to include Iyer in the Duleep Trophy squad. He accused Iyer of not respecting the game and stated that he would not have chosen him if he were India's selector. "I'm sorry to Indians who like him, but if I was India's selector, Iyer wouldn't have been in the Duleep Trophy at all," Ali said.
