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The India National Cricket Team’s heavy 244-run defeat against the New Zealand National Cricket Team in the fourth ODI has already raised fresh questions about the batting performance, and Kris Srikkanth has now picked up Shreyas Iyer's form as another major concern for the team.
Iyer, who is leading the India National Cricket Team in the fourth and fifth ODI as Shubman Gill prepares for the Test series, failed to make an impact in the fourth ODI, as the middle-order batter got out for a first-ball duck at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13.
Kris Srikkanth issues warning for Shreyas Iyer after India's 244-run humiliation
Shreyas Iyer has now managed just 45 runs in his last four ODI innings. The former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth feels Iyer cannot afford to continue with such performances. He openly said that Iyer, who has been an important part of India's ODI set-up, is going through a difficult phase.
Kris Srikkanth on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Sportskeeda: “Shreyas Iyer has to be careful. It's been a long time since he scored a fifty in ODIs. He is primarily a fantastic ODI batter. But he is not in the greatest form.”
Shreyas Iyer has been struggling to find consistency with the bat. Since October 14, 2026, the right-hander has scored 209 runs across ODIs and T20Is. His top score was a 50 off 23 balls against New Zealand in Hamilton. However, Shreyas Iyer's recent ODI scores of 15, 30, and 0 have raised concerns over his form.
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Srikkanth questions India's reliance on Naman Dhir
Another issue raised by Srikkanth was India's dependence on Naman Dhir. The former Indian captain feels it is not a good situation if India has to rely heavily on Dhir for batting contributions while also expecting him to play the role of a No. 8 batter and the fifth or sixth bowling option.
Srikkanth believes India's main players need to take more responsibility. He added, “It feels like Naman Dhir is crucial for India with bat and ball, which is not a good sign at all. He is a fantastic cricketer, but depending on him at No. 8 and as the fifth or sixth bowler is not a good sign.”
Read Also: Why India dropped Kuldeep Yadav and picked Gurnoor Brar for New Zealand Tests?
Kris Srikkanth tears into Kuldeep Yadav after costly spell against New Zealand
Kuldeep Yadav's performance also came under criticism. The senior spinner gave away 73 runs in eight overs without taking a wicket in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval, and Srikkanth feels New Zealand's batters have been finding it too easy to score against Kuldeep in these conditions.
The 1983 World Cup winner also believes Kuldeep has lost some of his usual sharpness and is struggling to control his deliveries. Srikkanth questioned how the spinner would overcome this problem, as his bowling has not been effective enough on New Zealand pitches.
The former captain signed off by saying, “He (Kuldeep) is too ineffective in these conditions. All the New Zealand batters are feasting against him. Had they hit with more power, the balls would have travelled to Australia. Kuldeep has also lost his zip, and I don't know how he is going to correct himself. He is too much of an up-and-down bowler.”
