India’s Test series against South Africa ended in a 1-1 draw, with a mixed performance that left room for assessment, especially in the batting department. While KL Rahul and Virat Kohli showcased commendable performances, other batters, including Shreyas Iyer, faced challenges on tricky pitches. Shreyas Iyer, in particular, struggled, scoring only 41 runs in 4 innings with an average of 13.67. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar believes that focusing solely on Iyer’s performance would be unfair, given the challenging conditions faced by all Indian batters.
Gavaskar pointed out that, apart from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, no other player managed to accumulate significant runs. Considering the collective batting struggle, Gavaskar predicts that the selection committee might be inclined to provide Iyer with more opportunities rather than singling him out for criticism.
“Shreyas Iyer is not the only player who failed because it’s not easy for any batter on these pitches. If you see, barring Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, no one else scored too many runs,” Gavaskar stated during a discussion on Star Sports.
Highlighting the challenges posed by the South African pacers on bouncy pitches, Gavaskar defended Iyer’s performance and suggested that the selection committee could consider the broader context before making decisions about individual players.
The conversation around potential changes for the upcoming Test series against England also surfaced. With Cheteshwar Pujara scoring a double century in the Ranji Trophy and not being part of the South Africa tour, speculation arises about a possible inclusion for the England assignment. Gavaskar indicated that one of the Indian batters might face the axe, and Pujara, given his recent form, could be in contention.
The decision to leave out Ajinkya Rahane for the South Africa tour, despite his impressive stats in SENA countries, has also faced scrutiny. The overall batting performance in South Africa raises questions about potential adjustments and selections for the upcoming series against England.
Gavaskar’s defense of Shreyas Iyer revolves around the collective struggle faced by Indian batters on challenging pitches in South Africa. The discussion hints at the complexities of selection decisions, considering both individual performances and the broader context of the team’s challenges in specific conditions. The upcoming series against England adds another layer of anticipation for potential changes and selections.
