How backing Shreyas Iyer has solved India's Number 4 problems

The Indian cricket team's dominant form in the ICC World ODI Cup 2023 has been further strengthened with an unbeaten streak of eight victories, the latest being a resounding 243-run win over South Africa.

In the midst of the team's success, Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a crucial player, overcoming significant challenges to establish himself in the squad.

Shryeas Iyer in this India squad

• The Men in Blues were always considered to be strong contenders for this year’s ICC ODI World Cup which is mostly due to the numerous big names in the Indian squad. 
• However, the sheer manner in which the team is thrashing its opponent in every game, is something that the cricketing world was not ready for. 
• Apart from the much-talked about names like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has played a pivotal role in the last few victories of Indian in this World Cup.

• Iyer’s thunderous knock of 77 runs in 87 balls in their last game against South Africa gave the Indian team the much needed push that eventually helped in securing a target of 327 for the Proteas to chase. 

• Iyer’s last two innings have been crucial in securing the victories of India, which has also seemingly marked an end for India’s search for a perfect number four. 

India backing Iyer

Criticism

• Shreyas Iyer was not a name on the list of players who opened the ICC 2023 World Cup with a bang.
• Shreyas missed the entirety of last season’s IPL due to a back injury but got back to fitness in-time for the World Cup. 

• Despite of having a significantly good performance in the three-match ODI series against Australia, which includes a century, Shreyas Iyer started this World Cup with loads of criticism on his back.
• Iyer's early batting struggles in India's first two World Cup matches raised questions about his continued role in the team, with critics suggesting Suryakumar Yadav as a potential replacement.
• Shreyas Iyer got dismissed for a duck against India’s World Cup opener against Australia and only registered 25 runs in their following game against Afghanistan. 

Rise

• Going against the criticisms and the replacement calls, the Indian team backed Iyer in spite of his momentary bad touch, which ultimately worked out to their benefit. 

• Iyer played a very decisive knock in India’s much-important match against their bitter rivals Pakistan where he scored an impressive 53 out of 62 balls. 

• Iyer’s brilliance was again showcased against Sri Lanka when he scored 82 (56).
• Iyer’s most recent success came against South Africa where he scored a decisive 77(87). 

• Iyer's recent performance has silenced his critics, relieving the Indian selectors of the 'number 4' pressure, as he repaid their trust in him.