IND vs SL: "Shreyas Iyer Smashed It Everywhere, He Played For The Team" - Nasser Hussain Lauds Indian Batter

England captain Nasser Hussain lauded Indian batter Shreyas Iyer for his impressive batting performance against Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2023. Nasser Hussain highlighted that Shreyas Iyer played for the team’s benefit despite his place being under scrutiny.

Shreyas Iyer failed to make an impact with his batting in the first six matches. However, the right-handed batter played with an aggressive approach and scored 82 runs off 56 balls, including three boundaries and six maximums, to help the team reach a total of 357/8.

Shreyas Iyer Has Got A Very Attacking Mindset – Nasser Hussain

During the mid-match show on Star Sports, Nasser Hussain highlighted that Shreyas Iyer played unselfish innings. Hussain emphasized how batters often feel pressure to secure their place in the team after a series of low scores.

“What I liked about the innings was that, sometimes, people start talking that you might be the one who gets left out. And let’s be honest, some people have been saying that since he got out against England. (And then) you play for yourself, you get a score, 40 off 40 balls.”

“He didn’t. He was a finisher, he smashed it everywhere, he played for the team. He gets into better positions when he is attacking. I think he has got a very attacking mindset,” Hussain told Star Sports.

Shreyas Iyer Made An Effort There – Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that it was crucial for Shreyas Iyer to prove himself with significant runs. Gavaskar discussed the potential competition between Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav when Hardik Pandya returns to the team.

“(There was a) big question mark because he had opportunities that he threw away with aerial shots. That is the reason why it was important for him to score runs. Because once Hardik Pandya comes back, the question would’ve been between him and Suryakumar Yadav. KL Rahul would’ve moved up to 4, Suryakumar up to 5, and Hardik at 6.”

“But more important than retaining his place, it was to show that he could handle the short ball. Yes, the Sri Lankan bowlers weren’t express, but he was playing the short ball well. It shows that he was coming to terms with it. It’s always the odd deliveries where you struggle, but he made an effort there,” said Gavaskar.

India’s bowlers shone brightly, bowling out Sri Lanka for a mere 55 runs to register their seventh consecutive win. India became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup following their remarkable 302-run victory in Mumbai on Thursday, November 2.

Also read: IND vs SL: Watch: Shreyas Iyer Smashes A Monstrous 106-M Six At Wankhede Stadium