While Virat Kohli is going through the most troublesome time of his career, could Shreyas Iyer be a viable option at No. 3 in the 50-over format?
The 27-year-old though got no chances in the recently concluded England series, but against West Indies, he has shone with half-centuries in India's both wins in the 3-match ODI series.
The right-handed batter who played a crucial role in India's 2-wicket win against the Windies in the 2nd ODI with a 63 off 71 balls said that he enjoys playing at the 3rd spot. In the post-match presentation, Iyer said, 'No. 3 holds responsibility, if the opener fails, No. 3 batter has to face the ball, if the openers perform, the batter at no. 3 has to maintain the momentum'.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, who plays at number 3, hasn't been contributing with the bat lately. The ex-skipper last scored a ton in the ODIs in 2019. Even against England, Kohli, who played 2 out of the 3 ODIs scored 16 & 17.
If we compare the recent numbers of the 2 batters, Shreyas Iyer, takes the lead. In the last 12 months, while Shreyas Iyer has scored 251 runs in 7 matches at an average of 41, Virat Kohli has 175 in 8 matches at an average of around 21.
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On being asked about not getting enough chances to play in Team India, Shreyas Iyer said that he can only control the controllable. 'Playing in the team is not in my hand but whenever I will get the chance I will maximise it', he added.