India’s new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has come under increasing scrutiny after suffering defeats in his first two series in charge. Appointed captain ahead of the Ireland and England tours, Iyer is still looking for his first win as captain, with India’s back-to-back series losses raising questions about his on-field tactics and decision-making.Former Indian wicketkeeper batsman Saba Karim questioned Shreyas Iyer’s tactical decisions. “I feel the time has come for Shreyas Iyer to assert himself as a captain. The tactical captaincy that we have seen from him in the IPL has not been visible in international cricket,” Karim told JioHotstar.Karim was particularly critical of India’s batting order during the defeat in Bristol, questioning Iyer’s decision to send Shivam Dube in the No. 5 while Tilak Varma, one of India’s most consistent middle-order batsmen, was retained.“For example, when he was batting in the middle, Shivam Dube came in at number five. I don’t understand that decision. He is not the Shreyas Iyer we know from the IPL. Logically, if he was captain in the IPL now, Tilak Varma would have gone at number five instead of Shivam Dube,” he said.Karim also highlighted the importance of leadership and communication during pressure situations, saying that a captain’s influence extends beyond tactical decisions.“When you fight in the middle as a captain, the messages you send to your partner are very important. Maybe it will take time for him to grow in the role,” he added.
Shreyas Iyer’s eye-opening consolation win in India as England chase clean sweep
India will look to salvage some pride when they take on England in the fifth and final T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. The hosts have already sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after a dominant nine-wicket win in Bristol, leaving Shreyas Iyer’s side desperate to avoid a series whitewash.