Former Indian selector, Saba Karim said that the time has come for the national selectors to choose between Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Hooda as the backup batter at the crucial number for Team India in T20Is, as the two multi-nation events – Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022 – are coming closer.

In the absence of Virat Kohli, Iyer has been given plenty of chances at No. 3 in the T20I set-up. However, Iyer has failed to impress with the bat at the position despite being given a lengthy run at the position. 

On the other hand, Hooda made his debut earlier this year and has impressed one and all in the limited opportunities he has had.

He is not only a reliable batter but also a capable bowler, and selecting an all-rounder in the team will be a bonus for India, especially for such big tournaments.

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Well, Saba said that the number three batting position is very crucial in T20I cricket and it is the right time to prepare either Iyer or Hooda as a backup for Kohli for this slot.

Saba Karim told India News Sports: “When Virat Kohli is available, he will naturally walk into the XI at No. 3. But the time has come for the selectors to decide who they want as a backup batter in the middle order.”

He added, “If they believe in Shreyas Iyer, they should continue to play him and hope he gets back to his form. But if they are still experimenting, it's the right time to play Hooda at No. 3. He can also be handy with the ball, which is a huge plus for Team India.”