India’s new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has come under increasing scrutiny after suffering defeats in his first two series in charge. Iyer, who was named captain ahead of the tours of Ireland and England, is still looking for his first win as captain and India’s back-to-back losses have raised questions about his tactics and on-field decision-making.Former India wicketkeeper-batsman Sabha Karim has questioned Shreyas Iyer’s tactical decisions. Karim told JioHotstar: “I feel the time has come for Shreyas Iyer to prove himself as a captain. His tactical captaincy abilities that we have seen in the IPL have not been reflected in international cricket yet.”Karim was particularly critical of India’s batting order during the Bristol defeat, questioning Iyer’s decision to field Shivam Dube at fifth while one of India’s most consistent middle-order batsmen, Tilak Varma, was stopped.“For example, when he was batting in the middle, Shivam Dube was at number five. I don’t understand the decision. This is not the Shreyas Iyer we know from the IPL. Logically, if he was captaining in the IPL now, Tilak Varma would be at number five and not Shivam Dube,” he said.Karim also stressed the importance of leadership and communication in pressure situations and said a captain’s influence extends beyond tactical decisions.“When you bat in the middle as a captain, the message you send to your partner is very important. Maybe it will take time for him to adapt to the role,” he added.
Shreyas Iyer gives India consolation win as England register huge win
India will hope to salvage some pride when they take on England in the fifth and final T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. The home side have sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after a dominant 9-wicket win at Bristol, leaving Shreyas Iyer’s side desperate to avoid a series whitewash.
