Nagpur: Shreyas Iyer’s scintillating half-century against England in the opening ODI has left India’s selectors with tough decisions to make ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to commence in less than two weeks.
The seasoned middle-order batter hammered a commanding 59 off just 36 balls, guiding India to a comfortable six-wicket victory at Nagpur with more than 11 overs to spare. The home side successfully chased down England’s modest total of 248, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Iyer’s inclusion in the playing XI came as a last-minute decision, following former skipper Virat Kohli’s withdrawal due to a knee injury. Speaking to Star Sports post-match, Iyer recounted the unexpected turn of events.
“So, funny story,” Iyer said. “I was watching a movie last night, thinking I could stay up late, but then I got a call from the skipper saying I might play because Virat has a swollen knee. I hurried back to my room and went to sleep straight away. I wasn’t expecting to play this game, but I kept myself prepared, knowing that an opportunity could arise at any moment.”
The uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s fitness for the remainder of the series and the Champions Trophy adds to India’s selection conundrum, as they boast a wealth of batting talent. The return of Kohli will further complicate matters, with the team management needing to balance form and experience in their final XI.
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut in this match and remains a strong contender for the Champions Trophy squad, especially given his status as the only left-hander in India’s top order. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill reinforced his credentials with a fluent 87, earning the Player of the Match award.
India’s batting depth is formidable, with skipper Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kohli forming the core, while all-rounders Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja provide flexibility in the middle order. Iyer, however, has made a strong case for himself, having amassed 530 runs in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Reflecting on his recent form, Iyer credited his domestic performances for his resurgence.
“To be honest, playing throughout the domestic season taught me a lot,” he said. “It gave me a clear approach, and I worked on my mindset and skills. Fitness has played a crucial role too, and I feel I’ve ticked all the right boxes.”
With multiple in-form players vying for limited spots, India’s selectors face a challenging task in finalising their squad for the Champions Trophy. The ongoing series against England will likely serve as the final audition before the team embarks on their title quest in Pakistan and the UAE.