Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has picked the batting order of Shreyas Iyer for India within the upcoming five-match T20I sequence in opposition to New Zealand, starting on January 21 in Nagpur. Pathan believes Iyer’s improved sport in opposition to quick bowling, coupled together with his long-established dominance in opposition to spin, makes him the best candidate for the position within the shortest format.
Shreyas Iyer drafted in as Tilak Varma substitute
Iyer has been included within the Indian squad for the primary three T20Is after Tilak Varma was dominated out of the primary three T20Is resulting from an belly surgical procedure. With the group administration on the lookout for stability within the prime order, Iyer’s expertise and flexibility have come into focus forward of the competition in opposition to the Black Caps.
Presently main Punjab Kings in home and franchise cricket, Iyer returns to the T20I setup with a degree to show, particularly after working extensively on areas that have been as soon as thought-about weaknesses in his sport.
Irfan Pathan picks batting slot for Iyer in T20I sequence in opposition to New Zealand
Talking throughout a dialogue on Robin Uthappa’s YouTube channel, Pathan made it clear that he sees no debate over Iyer’s batting place. In line with him, the right-hander matches completely at quantity three, a task that calls for each adaptability and authority.
Pathan defined that Iyer has all the time been a robust participant of spin bowling, with the flexibility to make use of his ft, discover gaps, and clear the infield when required. Nevertheless, what has impressed him most in current occasions is Iyer’s calmness and management in opposition to high-quality tempo bowling.
“Shreyas at quantity three, little question. Shreyas has the flexibility to play spin very well. That’s one factor. He can play massive photographs, stand and ship, and he can even maneuver the ball very well. However whoever noticed him within the final IPL, I believe he was taking part in the quick bowlers exceptionally effectively. I keep in mind that one shot he performed in opposition to Bumrah off a yorker,” mentioned Pathan.
Additionally READ: Irfan Pathan explains why Axar Patel is ahead of Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs
Pathan hails Iyer’s efficiency in IPL
Pathan referred to Iyer’s performances within the Indian Premier League 2025, the place the batter persistently dealt with quick bowlers with confidence. One explicit second that stood out was a boundary struck off Jasprit Bumrah throughout a match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab.
Recounting the shot, Pathan highlighted how Iyer picked up Bumrah’s yorker late and guided it previous the third-man area for 4. He identified that merely surviving Bumrah’s yorkers is a problem for many batters, however Iyer’s means to position the ball exactly showcased his composure and consciousness.
In line with Pathan, Iyer’s understanding of subject placements and his persistence on the crease point out a batter who is aware of precisely the place his scoring choices lie, even in opposition to the easiest.
“It was a Mumbai vs Punjab match. Bumrah bowled a yorker and he hit it via the off facet for 4. I imply, surviving Bumrah’s yorker itself is a tricky job. This man is definitely taking his time, taking part in the ball late, and inserting it precisely the place he desires, particularly in the direction of third man. He is aware of the place the fielder is and is creating scoring photographs,” added Pathan.
Additionally READ: Irfan Pathan picks the ‘Glue’ of Team India in T20 World Cup 2026
