Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes Virat Kohli ‘supersedes’ Shreyas Iyer for the Number 3 position without a doubt. Shreyas Iyer’s blistering form in the recently concluded India vs Sri Lanka T20I series has steamed up the Number 3 debate in Indian cricket.
The right-handed Mumbai batter scored 240 runs in three matches, without being dismissed even once. He was awarded the Player of the Series for his consistent performance, which powered India to a 3-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka. Speaking to the Espncricinfo, Wasim Jaffer praised Shreyas Iyer’s performance. He said,
“He (Shreyas) was outstanding right throughout the series, didn’t get out even a single game, and literally pulled the series by himself. Really really happy with the way he’s shown confidence, the way he’s taken the responsibility, which just adds a little bit of a good headache for the Indian management – what to do with Shreyas Iyer when Virat Kohli comes back?”
Man of the Match ✅
Man of the Series ✅How good was @ShreyasIyer15 in this series 👏👏@Paytm #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/654OhvNlTa
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 27, 2022
Speaking about the Number 3 debate, Wasim Jaffer agreed that it will be a challenge for the Indian team once, Virat Kohli returns to the squad. However, he asserted that the former Indian skipper ‘supersedes’ Shreyas Iyer in this debate. Wasim also added that the Indian team would like to fit both Shreyas and Virat in the team.
“I think it’s going to be a challenge. Obviously, Virat supersedes Shreyas Iyer without a doubt. But you would want to squeeze in Shreyas Iyer in this 11 looking at his current. But who goes out? … Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja coming back – all those guys – it’s going to be hard to pick those six or seven batters. A good headache for the people who matter,” Wasim Jaffer said.
Good to see everyone grab opportunities: Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer also expressed that the Indian team management will be happy to have the problem of plenty. He added that it is good to see everyone who is getting chances, grab the opportunity. Jaffer said,
“The management will be happy that they’ve got Shreyas Iyer in such good form. It’s just good news. The Indian management won’t mind it – they can play him at No. 4, No. 5 if needed, or Kohli can open. It just brings so much balance. It’s just good news. It’s very good to see everyone who’s coming in whether it’s Avesh Khan, (Ravi) Bishnoi, or Venkatesh Iyer grabbing those opportunities.”
The Indian squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka features both Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. The two-match Test series will kick start on March 4 at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.