Shreyas Iyer opens up on stealing Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot in ODI World Cup 2023 after sensational ton against Australia

India registered a series-clinching victory over Australia in the second ODI of the three-game leg in Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday (September 24). With the win, the Men in Blue gained an unassailable lead (2-0) over the Aussies, making the next and final game a dead rubber for the visitors.

India’s victory came in a grand fashion and brought up many positives for them ahead of the much-important ODI World Cup 2023. However, it also sparked debate regarding India batting maestro Virat Kohli‘s batting slot after Shreyas Iyer smashed a sensational ton at no. 3 position. Notably, Kohli was rested for the first two games against Australia and will join the team for the third ODI.

India’s stunning batting show in Indore and Shreyas Iyer’s  stunning comeback

After being put to bat first, the Indian innings was well constructed by Shubman Gill and Iyer, despite losing a wicket early on. The duo stitched a sensational 200-run partnership and pushed the Australian bowlers completely on the back foot. Gill hammered a brilliant 104 runs in the contest, while Iyer smashed a remarkable comeback century.

Apart from them, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul also chipped with quickfire knocks to power India to a mammoth total of 399/5. Nevertheless, what truly stole the show and became the talk of the town was Iyer’s hundred, as he is an integral part of India’s ODI World Cup squad and was struggling after recovering from a back injury. The Mumbai batter even missed a couple of games in the Asia Cup 2023, and tensions were flaring regarding his fitness and form with the World Cup approaching.

Also READ: 5 Pakistan players who featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup but won’t play in the 2023 CWC

Iyer’s ton gives rise to the debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s batting position in the ODI World Cup 2023

Iyer’s sensational innings not just came as a relief for him but also the millions of Indian cricket fans. It is worth mentioning that his stunning show came batting at no. 3 position and fuelled up the debate surrounding Virat’s batting spot for the World Cup.

Iyer reveals whether he’s keen to steal Virat’s No. 3 spot in the ODI World Cup 2023

Following Iyer’s century, many started wondering if he could steal the batting position from Kohli. He was even asked the same question in the post-match press conference, to which he responded by hailing Kohli as the legend and dismissing the possibility of replacing the former India captain at no. 3 position. Iyer further emphasized that he is ready to bat at any position according to the need.

“I am flexible, ready to bat any position, whatever my team needs me to do. Virat is one of the greats, there’s no chance of stealing that (number 3) spot from him. I just need to keep scoring wherever (any position) I bat,” Iyer said.

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September 25, 2023 at 12:02PM