BAN v IND 2022: “He also has the same class,” Kaif draws parallels between Shreyas Iyer and MS Dhoni’s batting technique

Iyer is the leading run-getter for India across formats this year.

Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer for his batting abilities across all three formats. The right-hander has performed exceptionally well this year and is the leading run-getter for India across formats.

While Iyer was always a quality white-ball batter, he has proved his mettle in the longest format of the game over the past one year.

During the just-concluded opening Test against Bangladesh at Chattogram, which India won by 188 runs, Shreyas played a valiant knock of 86 runs in the first innings and shared a crucial 149-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara to resurrect the visitors’ innings after early wickets.

Kaif drew parallels between Iyer and MS Dhoni’s batting technique, saying the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning skipper may not be known for the conventional shots but he still managed to score big runs and win matches for India.

“We always talk about Dhoni that he doesn’t look good but score runs and wins matches. Shreyas Iyer also has the same class, he knows how to make runs. There is a weakness, gets out while playing the pull shot but despite that, he has a good record in 2022," Kaif said on Sony Sports while reviewing India’s performance in the first Test.

Reflecting on Iyer’s knock against Bangladesh, Kaif said he was the main reason behind India taking the crucial first-innings lead.

“He is in good form and scoring in every match. It is a big thing to score in the first innings. India got the big lead because of his innings. He plays good drives and uses his feet as well, he is a complete batter," he stated.

Shreyas Iyer often draws flak for his struggles against the short deliveries but Kaif feels every batter has a weakness and they have to deal with it.

“He has issues against the bouncer but every batter has some or other weakness. It will remain throughout his life, he will have to deal with it always, but what he has done is praiseworthy."

“Shreyas Iyer scored a century on his Test debut against New Zealand in Kanpur. The knock he played in this Test match was also fantastic. He knows how to score in all areas, plays spin well, goes to the pitch of the ball and defends, plays cuts off the back foot, and lofted shots down the ground," he remarked.