Shreyas Iyer

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"An average above 46 and a strike rate above 96 speak about Iyer's pedigree, and with the World Cup being held in India, his ability to play and attack spin could be vital in the middle order. That's if he is fully fit after the back injury that kept him out of the IPL and recent India engagements. His struggles against fast bowling, especially the short stuff targeted at his body are well documented, but with the hosts not likely to find too many surfaces conducive to such bowling in the tournament, it's no surprise that the selectors and team management are keeping fingers crossed over his availability. Iyer had been earmarked as India material since his Under-19 days and has even played a key role in Mumbai winning the Ranji Trophy. The fact that he has been on the domestic circuit for almost a decade now shows that he knows what to do under different circumstances and work around his technical deficiencies. Such a player could be key in the cauldron of a home World Cup. He has even had captaincy experience in franchise cricket, and can be expected to chip in with advice for the captain in a high-stakes assignment.

One-Day memory: (113 not out against South Africa at Ranchi, 2022)

Chasing 278 against an attack comprising the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell and Keshav Maharaj, Iyer made the task look ridiculously easy as India got home with more than four overs to spare for the loss of only three wickets. In what could be an indication of what's possible, he combined with Ishan Kishan for a 161-run third-wicket stand after the hosts were reduced to 48/2 inside nine overs. The fact that it was a pressure match after India had lost the series opener in Lucknow only increases its relevance.

One more thing: During his early years, especially during his time with the U-19 team, Iyer's batting style was likened to that of Virender Sehwag."

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