Former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer was extremely pleased with debutant Shreyas Iyer after he smashed a hundred on Test debut in the first Test against New Zealand that is ongoing at Green Park in Kanpur.
Iyer top-scored for the Indian team with 105 off 171 balls, becoming the 16th Indian player to score a century on Test debut. His innings was studded with 13 fours and two maximums and was also part of a crucial 121-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
“I think he came out and played like he plays [usually]. Just because he’s playing his Test and it was his debut, he didn’t change his game and backed himself. That is what I expected from him.”
“Even when he came in as a U-19 guy or in the Ranji Trophy or the Vijay Hazare, he was never overawed by the occasion. He backed his game even then. Just because it’s a change of format, they [Shubman Gill and Iyer] will not change their game and that is something I like,” Jaffer said in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.
“He’s got a solid defence and there is no shortage of shots” – Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer also expects Shreyas Iyer to come in handy in away conditions as he has a good solid defence which is extremely important in conditions that are conducive to swing like in England and New Zealand.
“He’s got a solid defence and there is no shortage of shots in him. He’s got runs at first-class level. He’s got a double hundred against Australia in the Boards President game. So it’s not something new to him.“
“Only challenge will be the bouncers. I feel the bowlers will be targeting there and in Test cricket, he’s going to be get peppered with short balls. When he goes to South Africa, I’m sure they’re going to test him there,” Jaffer further mentioned.
Iyer’s century and a late cameo from Ravichandran Ashwin ensured that India ended with 345 on the board in the first innings.