Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised Shreyas Iyer for his dominating performance in the ODI series against West Indies. He said that the right-hander is becoming a giant in the 50-over format.
Iyer came into the Indian set-up after the Cricket World Cup 2019 and since then many have felt that India have found their designated No. 4 batter in shorter formats. The young batter set the stage on fire and smashed runs consistently for the side.
After he hit a century in New Zealand, batting at No.4, Iyer cemented his place in the side. But he suffered a shoulder injury in 2021 and was out of action for a few months. On his return, he couldn’t quite grab his place back in the side.
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But with the opportunity coming to him in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies, Iyer has made his presence felt once again. He is currently the leading run-scorer for India and has smashed 117 runs in the two games he has played so far.
The right-hander, after playing a knock of 54 runs in the first ODI, continued his fine form in the second game and smashed another half-century, scoring 63 runs in 71 balls to help his side clinch the series with one match to go.
Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra called Iyer a giant in the 50-over format. Highlight his record, the former Indian cricketer said that he’s a gun.
Chopra added that although Shreyas has struggled against short balls in Tests and T20Is, he is ruling the ODIs and is also giving headaches to selectors.
"Shreyas Iyer - he is becoming a giant of the ODI format. He has struck one century, he has 11 half-centuries, he has played just 25-odd ODI matches in total, and he is gun. The short-ball problem, T20s and Test matches, let's not talk about that,” Shreyas Iyer said.
“He has been ruling the roost in this format. I remember his Hamilton ton as well. He is also asking the question that once everyone is available, how will you keep him out," he said.
Shreyas Iyer will now be seen in action during the third ODI against West Indies on Wednesday (27th July). The right-hander would be hoping to continue his fine form and go one step ahead and smash his second ODI ton.
