T20 World Cup 2021: I Feel Shreyas Iyer Should Have Been There In The Team - Rajkumar Sharma

Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, opined that Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman, Shreyas Iyer, was unfairly dropped from the 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Iyer suffered a shoulder injury during England’s tour of India earlier this year, which kept him out for a few months.

Several other players started grabbing their opportunities in Iyer’s absence, and the latter was excluded from the Indian team for the ICC event. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan made their mark on the selectors following good performances against England.

Iyer couldn’t find a spot in the main squad, but he has been added to the reserves. The team management has until October 10 to make any changes to the side if they deem it necessary. However, with Kishan being out of form in the IPL, Iyer might well get a crack in the squad.

“It is unfortunate that Shreyas Iyer is not in the team (T20 World Cup squad) in the first place. He was an integral part of the Indian team, and then he became unfit due to an injury. Being dropped after that, definitely, it is a bit unfair. I feel he should have been there in the team. So now, if he makes a comeback into the Indian team, he thoroughly deserves it,” Rajkumar Sharma said on the Khelneeti podcast.

“His presence gives confidence to DC’s openers” – Rajkumar Sharma

Talking about the consistent performance of Delhi Capitals (DC) in the second leg of the IPL 2021 season, Rajkumar reckoned the return of Shreyas Iyer has boosted the confidence of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw at the top. They can play with a lot more aggression now that Iyer is present to stabilize the middle-order.

“Shreyas Iyer’s return has provided stability to DC’s middle-order. He is a dependable player, has led the team, and he used to be Delhi’s pivot with the bat even when he was the captain.”

“He is back in that role, and his presence gives confidence to the openers and those coming later in the order. Shreyas Iyer can score runs at a quick strike rate, and he is consistent as well. He is a big asset to the team,” Rajkumar added.

DC sits in second place on the points table and looks set to finish in the top two. They have won eight games out of ten so far and will next face off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday.

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