IND vs SA: Hopefully, Shreyas Iyer Will Stand Up And Deliver In South Africa - Sourav Ganguly
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has opened up on budding Indian batting prospect, Shreyas Iyer, ahead of the long South Africa tour beginning on December 26. Iyer impressed in his debut match against New Zealand, scoring a century and a fifty.
Ganguly feels the talent in Iyer is there for everyone to see. His performance in first-class cricket is excellent but his biggest test will be when Virat Kohli and co. tour South Africa for the 3-match Test series.
“I think he averages 50 in First-Class cricket for a long period of time. I saw his First-class average, he was averaging 52 for a period of 10 years, and you can’t be ordinary to do that. At some stage, you need an opportunity to show your talent at the international level.”
“I am extremely happy that he did well in his first Test, but his real test will come when he goes to South Africa. When he goes to South Africa and England, with the pace and bounce, hopefully, he will stand up and deliver,” Ganguly said in a conversation with Boria Majumdar.
“He will be a better player after this knock” – Sourav Ganguly
The century against New Zealand came at a moment in time when India found itself in trouble. Iyer managed to dig the team out of the hole and take them to a respectable total. Although India didn’t end up winning the match, Iyer’s career got off to a great start.
“He started well for his career, getting a hundred on debut. It’s a remarkable achievement, wherever he plays. I hope he just kicks on because he will be a better player after this knock. And I say that from my personal experience.”
“If I was 50 before the Test match at Lord’s, I was 90 after it, because it’s just the confidence which went to a different level. And I think it must be the same with Shreyas. He’ll start believing that ‘I can score runs at the Test level’ and that’s very important,” Ganguly added.
Although Iyer may not be a sure-shot starter in the playing XI, he is definitely on the brink provided Ajinkya Rahane is woefully out of form.
