According to Aakash Chopra, in the ODI World Cup that will be held in India later this year, Shreyas Iyer is India’s best choice at No. 4.
The three-match ODI series between the Men in Blue and the West Indies will begin on Thursday, July 27, in Bridgetown, Barbados. Iyer is absent from the 17-person Indian team for the three ODIs since he is recovering from back surgery.
“The first thing is his availability because he has not yet started playing”: Aakash Chopra
Chopra discussed the prospective options for the No. 4 spot in India’s World Cup team in a video posted to his YouTube account. According to him, Iyer is the finest choice as he said, “Who generally plays at No. 4 or used to play? Shreyas Iyer played at No. 4 and in whatever matches he has played, Shreyas Iyer has actually done really well. Things became slightly topsy-turvy after his unavailability, but if Shreyas Iyer is fit and available, you cannot think of a better option than him at No. 4 at this point in time.”
The Kolkata Knight Riders skipper will have little time to rediscover his form and fitness, the former Indian opener stated that “however, the first thing is his availability because he has not yet started playing. He is not part of the team that is currently there in the West Indies. Then you see the Asia Cup, three matches vs Australia and then the World Cup. So you have to get your fitness and form within one month.”
According to Aakash Chopra, Suryakumar Yadav might serve as Shreyas Iyer’s backup in the No. 4 position. He added, “The former Kolkata Knights all-rounder said, “If God forbid Shreyas Iyer isn’t available or he doesn’t regain his form, you need an option, and there you might see Suryakumar Yadav as a potential No. 4.”
In 42 ODIs, Shreyas has racked up 1631 runs at a remarkable average of 46.60. He played 17 ODIs last year and made 724 runs at a great average of 55.69, but he has not participated in a competitive match since March.
