IND vs ENG: Why Shreyas Iyer might get dropped in 2nd ODI despite scoring 36-ball 59 in 1st ODI - Explained

Shreyas Iyer played a key role in India’s win in the 1st ODI against England in Nagpur.

Even though Shreyas Iyer played a stunning knock that was crucial in India winning the first ODI of the three-match series against England, the right-handed batsman might still find himself on the bench in the second ODI.

Iyer played a authoritative innings in Nagpur, smashing 59 runs off 36 balls to help India out of an early jam. In the chase of 249, India lost both openers, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, for the score of only 19 runs.

Iyer, batting at No. 4, counter-attacked superbly while hammering nine fours and two sixes and dominating his partnership of 94 (64) with Shubman Gill, who batted at No. 3 in the absence of the injured Virat Kohli.

Iyer’s counter-attack gave India the momentum which Gill and Axar Patel used well to help the side over the line with more than 10 overs to spare.

However, in a shocking revelation, Iyer disclosed that he was initially supposed to not play in this match as India had decided to drop him to hand Yashasvi Jaiswal his ODI debut but a late injury to Kohli allowed him to play in Nagpur.

Why Shreyas Iyer may get dropped in the 2nd ODI?

If Kohli is fit for the 2nd ODI in Cuttack, then Iyer might face the axe if India wish to continue with Jaiswal as the opener. Iyer revealed that he was not part of the playing XI for the Nagpur ODI and got a place in the side only due to Kohli’s injury.

Iyer said, “So, funny story. I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. And then [I] hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straightaway.”

The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on Sunday.

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