India’s new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is under a lot of scrutiny after he went unbeaten in his first two matches. Chosen as captain ahead of Ireland’s tour of England, Iyer is still looking for his first win as captain, with back-to-back losses to India raising questions about his tactics and decision-making on the field.Former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim questioned Shreyas Iyer’s strategic decisions. “I feel the time has come for Shreyas Iyer to prove himself as a captain. The kind of captaincy that we have seen from him in the IPL has not been seen in international cricket,” Karim told JioHotstar.Karim was particularly critical of India’s batting in the defeat in Bristol, questioning Iyer’s decision to send Shivam Dube at No.5 when Tilak Varma, one of India’s most consistent middle-order batsmen, was recalled.“For example, when he was batting in the middle, Shivam Dube came in at number five. I did not understand that decision. That is not the Shreyas Iyer we know from IPL. Obviously, if he was captaining in the IPL now, Tilak Varma could have come in at number five instead of Shivam Dube,” he said.Karim also highlighted the importance of leadership and communication in times of crisis, saying a driver’s influence goes beyond strategic decisions.“When you bat in the middle as a captain, the messages you send to your partner are very important. It may take time for them to grow in rank,” he said.
Shreyas Iyer’s India comfort eyes win as England chase clean sweep
India will look to salvage their pride when they face England in the fifth and final T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. The hosts have already sealed a five-match unbeaten 3-0 lead after a nine-wicket win at Bristol, leaving Shreyas Iyer’s side desperate to avoid a clean sheet.