Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane expresses enthusiasm about Shreyas Iyer’s addition to the squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024 semi-final against Tamil Nadu. Rahane highlights Iyer’s consistent performance for the team in domestic cricket and mentions that the accomplished right-handed batter doesn’t require additional encouragement or advice.
“He’s an experienced player. His contribution has been amazing whenever he turned up for Mumbai. We are thrilled to have him on our team for the semi-final.”
”I don’t think he needs any encouragement or advice. He has always contributed with the bat for Mumbai, and him being around other players in the dressing room will also help the team’s cause.”
Shreyas Iyer featured in Mumbai’s playing XI against Andhra earlier in the season, contributing with a run-a-ball 48 in the first innings. Iyer has faced scrutiny due to a series of subpar performances in Test cricket, with his last half-century in the format dating back to the match against Bangladesh in 2022.
“He is going to be useful for Indian cricket in any format” -KKR head coach responds to Shreyas Iyer’s absence from BCCI central contract list
The BCCI terminated Shreyas Iyer’s central contract, as he was not featured in the new list released on February 28. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit expressed his astonishment at Iyer’s omission, stating that the middle-order batsman, being an all-format player, deserved a contract.
Pandit conveyed confidence in Iyer’s return to international cricket soon during an interaction with Mid Day.
“I will not say Shreyas must be included in a certain Grade, but he is definitely a player who can serve India in any format. He has had an injury issue, but it was solved. He is a good performer and even scored a century on Test debut.”
“In our future series, there may be some players who will not be in form, so naturally, Shreyas will be there. He will play domestic cricket and can perform in the IPL. He is going to be useful for Indian cricket in any format.”
“It’s surprising that Shreyas was not considered for the annual contracts, because he is India’s all-format player, Pandit continued. “We don’t know the reason, but I think he should walk into the pool of India’s contracted players.”
“He could have definitely fitted in any Grade. Knowing Shreyas, I don’t think it will affect him. He will definitely fight and perform. He has that fighting spirit.”
Shreyas Iyer recorded scores of 35, 13, 27, and 29 in the initial two Tests of India’s ongoing five-match home series against England before being abruptly excluded from the squad.
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