0
0
Every batter faces challenges with short-pitched deliveries at some point or the other — it’s part of the game. Shreyas Iyer is no exception, but labeling it as a glaring weakness feels exaggerated. He’s had plenty of success against pace and bounce, and no batter is immune to the occasional short ball trap. It’s easy to pick on a few dismissals and create a narrative, but Shreyas has shown he’s capable of adapting.
Plus, we’ve seen him handle quality fast bowling in tough conditions, which speaks volumes about his technique and temperament. That’s why Shreyas looked in supreme touch against England in the first ODI in Nagpur. His fluency against both pace and spin proved that the narrative of his short-ball weakness has been overblown.
Losing his contract with the BCCI, a few months ago, could have been a real setback, but he showed that the off-field happenings haven’t affected his game. From the moment he took his stance, Shreyas exhibited confidence and when he is in rhythm, he’s a delight to watch. If he keeps playing like this, it won’t be long before he re-establishes himself as a key player in the Indian middle order.
Those two sixes off pacer Jofra Archer in the match were a statement — Shreyas isn’t just surviving against quality fast bowling, he’s taking it on.
Picking up Archer’s length early and dispatching him like that shows his class and confidence. It’s one thing to dominate spinners, but when a batter can take on express pace with authority, it speaks volumes about their ability. Shreyas has always had that aggressive instinct, and if he keeps this up, the short-ball narrative will fade away sooner rather than later.
