3 reasons why Shreyas Iyer should bat at number 4
India have had issues with the number four position for quite some time now. Several batsmen have been tried there, but no one has grabbed the opportunity.
But now, the young and talented Shreyas Iyer has shown that he has the skills to put an end to India's No. 4 woes.
The Mumbai batsman delivered the goods in the series against West Indies, as he scored 136 runs in two innings at an average of 68. If Iyer can keep up his good form, he can cement his place in the side soon.
Here are the three reasons why Iyer should be India's number 4:
1. Solid technique
Iyer has shown solid technique so far. The right-hander is known to play the ball along the ground; he hardly takes the aerial route in the initial phase of his innings. That is a quality he shares with the Indian captain Virat Kohli, and Kohli's success needs no introduction.
Iyer doesn't seem likely to get out by playing a rash shot or by gifting his wicket to the bowler. He has the ability and willingness to take ones and twos consistently, and gradually build the impetus in his knock.
The right-hander still has a lot to prove, but there is no denying the fact that he is on the right track and will keep getting better.
2. Iyer has the ability to effortlessly change gears
Iyer is proving that he can accelerate when the match situation needs him to. He comes up with big shots when the required rate goes up, which shows that he has the skills to hit the ground running as well as change gears effortlessly when the team needs him to.
In the third ODI against the Windies, the Delhi Capitals skipper scored a 41-ball 65 with the help of five fours and three sixes to take the pressure off captain Kohli. More importantly, the 24-year-old used timing rather than power to produce the big shots.
The right-hander had also scored 71 runs in good time in the second ODI. He is showing that maintaining a healthy strike rate is not a problem for him.
3. Consistency
Iyer has scored four half-centuries in the seven ODI innings he has played thus far. It would be too early to call him Mr. Consistent, but the right-hander has shown the promise to deliver the goods at regular intervals.
Furthermore, Iyer has proven his mettle in the domestic circuit. He has scored 2920 runs in 74 List A innings at an average of 43.67. He also averages a healthy 52.18 in first-class cricket.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant who has been backed to bat at number four is still a work-in-progress. The southpaw can be reckless in his shot-making, and it would make sense to give him the role of the finisher instead as he can get off the blocks quickly.
All things considered, Iyer seems to be the perfect candidate to take up the role of the No. 4 batsman for India.
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