Former Indian batsman and now a cricket analyst VVS Laxman has picked Shreyas Iyer ahead of Suryakumar Yadav for the ODI series against England.
Laxman feels it would be difficult for Suryakumar Yadav to make the cut into the final XI despite being in red-hot form. Yadav had a perfect start to his International career as he smashed 57 runs off just 31 balls in his debut T20I innings.
Subsequently, the right-hander from Mumbai played a quickfire knock of 32 runs off just 17 balls in the final T20I to help the team continue the impetus which was provided by Rohit Sharma.
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer has been an integral part of the ODI team and has put paid to India’s number four woes. Iyer has performed consistently in the limited-overs format and he had also done well while batting at number six in the England T20Is.
The right-hander had scored a fine knock of 67 runs in the first T20I and then also provided the finishing touches in the fourth T20I as he smashed 37 runs from 18 balls to help his team post a par score of 185 runs.
“With (his) experience, I feel Shreyas Iyer will be my pick ahead of Suryakumar Yadav. Because we just can’t rely on one or two innings, and we cannot really discount Shreyas Iyer’s performances in international cricket. Yes, Suryakumar Yadav has done really well for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, but Shreyas Iyer has been very consistent in whatever opportunities he’s got at the highest level. So, I will always choose Shreyas Iyer to do that role,” VVS Laxman said while talking to Star Sports Cricket Connected.
Shreyas Iyer has been a consistent performer and there is no doubt that he will be backed at the number four position in the three ODIs against England. The 26-year-old lad has scored 807 in 21 ODI matches at an impressive average of 44.83 and a blistering strike rate of 100.75. Thus, the youngster will aim to continue the good show in the ODI series against England.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav received his maiden ODI call-up after impressive performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will open the innings in the ODI series. The first ODI will take place today at the Maharashtra Cricket Association, Pune behind closed doors.
