Renowned analyst and former Indian cricket player Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his concerns about Shreyas Iyer’s recent dismissal in a pivotal match, saying it sends the “wrong message in the dressing room.” room.” Iyer, who has been a key middle-order batsman for India, has faced criticism for his shot selection in high-pressure situations. Manjrekar believes that such dismissals could negatively impact team morale and set a poor example for younger players.
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
During a recent international match, Shreyas Iyer was dismissed while attempting an aggressive shot against a well-set field. His decision to go for a big shot instead of anchoring the innings raised eyebrows, especially when the team needed stability. Manjrekar pointed out that such dismissals reflect a lack of situational awareness, which can be detrimental in tight games.
Manjrekar’s Take on Iyer’s Batting Approach
In his post-match analysis, Sanjay Manjrekar stated:
“When a player of Shreyas Iyer’s caliber gets out playing a reckless shot in a crucial phase, it sends the wrong message to the dressing room. Younger players look up to him, and such dismissals can encourage irresponsible batting.”
Manjrekar emphasized that while aggressive intent is important, match awareness and shot selection should not be compromised. He suggested that Iyer needs to work on his temperament, especially in pressure situations.
Statistical Analysis of Shreyas Iyer’s Recent Performances
To understand the impact of Iyer’s dismissals, let’s look at his recent performances in different formats:
Test Matches (Last 5 Innings)
| Match | Runs | Balls Faced | Dismissal Type | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs England | 35 | 65 | Caught (Aggressive Shot) | Team under pressure |
| vs Australia | 12 | 28 | LBW (Defensive Error) | Early collapse |
| vs South Africa | 42 | 78 | Bowled (Playing Across) | Stable position |
| vs New Zealand | 67 | 112 | Run Out (Miscommunication) | Set batsman |
| vs West Indies | 23 | 45 | Caught (Pull Shot) | Need for patience |
ODI/T20 Performance (Last 5 Innings)
| Format | Match | Runs | Strike Rate | Dismissal Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | vs Australia | 48 | 92.30 | Caught (Slog) |
| T20 | vs England | 22 | 135.00 | Stumped (Charge) |
| ODI | vs Sri Lanka | 56 | 85.20 | LBW (Sweep) |
| T20 | vs South Africa | 14 | 115.00 | Run Out (Panic) |
| ODI | vs New Zealand | 81 | 98.50 | Caught (Deep) |
Key Observations:
- Inconsistent shot selection in pressure situations. Read More
- High-risk shots leading to dismissals when consolidation is needed.
- Good starts not converted into match-winning knocks frequently.
Impact on Team India’s Middle Order
India’s middle order has often relied on Shreyas Iyer to stabilize the innings. However, his recent dismissals have raised concerns about his ability to handle pressure. Experts believe that if a senior player like Iyer fails to adapt, it could create uncertainty among younger batsmen like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Rinku Singh, who are still finding their feet in international cricket.
Comparison with Other Middle-Order Batsmen
| Player | Avg (Last 10 Innings) | Strike Rate | Not Outs | Match-Winning Knocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | 38.2 | 85.5 | 2 | 3 |
| KL Rahul | 45.6 | 89.7 | 3 | 4 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 32.8 | 145.2 | 1 | 2 |
| Rinku Singh | 52.4 | 138.0 | 4 | 3 |
The table shows that while Iyer has been decent, his match-winning contributions are fewer compared to KL Rahul and Rinku Singh. His strike rate in ODIs is also lower, indicating a struggle to accelerate when needed.
What Should Shreyas Iyer Improve?
- Better Shot Selection – Avoid high-risk shots early in the innings.
- Situational Awareness – Play according to match conditions.
- Consistency – Convert starts into big scores.
- Handling Pressure – Stay calm in crunch moments.
Expert Opinions
- Sunil Gavaskar: “Shreyas has the talent but needs to be smarter with his choices.”
- Ravi Shastri: “He must learn from Virat and Rohit on how to build an innings.”
- Harsha Bhogle: “The team expects more responsibility from him.”
Conclusion
Sanjay Manjrekar’s criticism highlights a growing concern about Shreyas Iyer’s approach in crucial games. While his talent is undeniable, his decision-making under pressure needs refinement. If he can work on his temperament and shot selection, he can still be a vital asset for India in all formats.
For now, the “wrong message” that Manjrekar warns about should serve as a wake-up call—not just for Iyer, but for the entire Indian batting lineup.
