India’s top-order batter, Shreyas Iyer said he is happy with his batting consistency in the ongoing 3-match ODI series in the West Indies but he is disappointed after failing to cone to convert his starts into centuries. Iyer came up with match-winning contributions in the first 2 ODIs which Shikhar Dhawan-led have won and sealed an unbeatable 2-0 lead.
Shreyas Iyer, batting at No. 3, played a good knock of 54 in the first ODI wherein India hit 308, and chipped in with a crucial 63 in the 2nd ODI wherein India successfully chased down a total of 312. Iyer conceded that he understood the importance of scoring big hundreds, especially when trying to cement a place in the side. He has played 29 ODIs since making his debut in 2017 but is yet to cement a spot in the XI.
During the post-match press conference after the 2nd ODI, Shreyas Iyer said, “I was happy with what I scored today but unhappy the way I was dismissed. I could have taken the team through easily. I was setting up the total and it was unfortunate that I lost my wicket. Hopefully, I can do better and score a century in the next match. Last time also it was a good catch (to dismiss him). Obviously, I can’t say I threw away my wicket but I should have converted it into hundreds.”
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He further elaborated, “But I feel good to contribute to the team’s win. It’s really fortunate to get to fifty (back-to-back) but I should have converted into a hundred because I had got a good start. You don’t get this kind of start again and again in international cricket and converting as many fifties to hundred is very beneficial. I thought today was a great chance to do that.”
2nd consecutive half century for @ShreyasIyer15 and a well deserved one.🤩🏏
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Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer said head coach Rahul Dravid was a bit tensed as India’s chase went till the final over in the 2nd ODI. The visitors needed 48 runs in their last 5 overs wherein all-rounder Axar Patel batted well with the tail-enders. Axar lost Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan cheaply but Mohammed Siraj held his nerve, allowing the all-rounder to hit those big ones.
With 6 needed off 3 deliveries, Axar Patel smashed a six to take India past the finish line. The Indian all-rounder played an unbeaten knock of 64 from 35 balls as the Indian dressing room applauded the all-rounder’s effort on Sunday in Trinidad.
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Shreyas Iyer said, “It was fun to be honest. Rahul (Dravid) sir was getting very tensed, he was passing messages. But the players were very calm and composed during pressure situations.”
India will be looking to whitewash the three-match series when the two teams meet in the finale on Wednesday in Port of Spain.
