Shreyas Iyer In Contention For India’s Middle Order In West Indies Test series. Despite recently withdrawing from India A’s second unofficial test against Australia A, Shreyas Iyer is still very much in contention for a middle-order spot in India’s team for the two-test series against the West Indies.
The right-hand batter was named captain of India A for the first four-day match in Lucknow, in which he made just 8 runs in his only innings. Iyer withdrew from the second match for personal reasons and returned to Mumbai. After which vice-captain Dhruv Jurel took over captaincy of the team. His withdrawal led to immediate questions about how it would impact his Test prospects. However, a BCCI source said that Iyer is still “in the fray” when selectors meet to select the squad for the West Indies series.
Iyer Still in the Mix
In recent times there have been questions about the middle order in red-ball cricket after inconsistent performances this time last year. Selectors will have to weigh up his international experience and proven temperament against the lack of red-ball runs in his last few matches. His withdrawal from the match with India A has reduced Iyer’s match action in the immediate future. That still doesn’t count him out of consideration for Test squad selection.
The opening Test match against the West Indies is set to commence on October 2 in Ahmedabad, with a second Test to be played in Kolkata. The series is viewed as a key chance for India to settle their batting order ahead of what will be an extremely busy season at home.
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For Iyer, the question is simple: he needs to demonstrate that he is ready and fit despite having played little red-ball cricket in recent weeks. Given that some younger batters are trying to take his role, the selectors’ decision regarding Iyer will have an impact on India’s middle-order balance in the series.
