Former India cricketer turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has stated that Shreyas Iyer will have to score runs in the second ODI against Australia in Indore on Sunday, considering the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup in mind. Chopra also added that if the batter fails in the match, the Indian team will be in an extremely tricky situation ahead of the mega event. Notably, Shreyas was run out for 3 off 8 balls in the opening ODI in Mohali as well.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “This game is very important for Shreyas Iyer. He needs to hit form. Earlier, there was an issue with his fitness and now we have not seen his form as well. He hit a couple of good shots in the Asia Cup and then got injured. There was not much to judge in Mohali as he scored only three runs and then got run out. Shreyas Iyer will have to score runs here. As much as you want stability and want to back someone, you do not want to enter the World Cup with a player on whose ability you do not have any doubt but are not sure about his form. India will need to analyze this aspect very closely.”

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While Shreyas Iyer was dismissed very cheaply in Mohali, steady fifties from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav helped India to a five-wicket win in a chase of 277 as well. On the other hand, former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar backed Shreyas to rediscover his batting form soon as well.

Nayar told JioCinema: “He’s a professional cricketer and being part of the IPL setup for a long time and this Indian team for a couple of years now, he understands that you made a mistake and the communication wasn’t great. It maybe wasn’t the right time to pick that single. India were in a comfortable position. But you expect Shreyas Iyer to come back from this.”