
New Delhi, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Indian cricket captain Shreyas Iyer provided an optimistic update on wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan’s fitness ahead of the T20 series opener against Afghanistan, scheduled for Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Kishan experienced back pain during a practice session on Friday. Addressing concerns about his fitness, Iyer expressed confidence that Kishan would be ready for the match. “I think he is feeling better now. I spoke with him after the practice session, and it was just a minor discomfort. He has been playing continuously, and we all know how well he performed recently. So, there is definitely a bit of fatigue. But he has had some rest today, and I am sure he will be fine by tomorrow,” Iyer stated.
The captain also faces a challenging decision regarding the top-order lineup. Iyer noted that having so many talented players is a positive rather than a headache. India must choose between young batsmen Vaibhav Surya, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Kishan for their top order. After Samson’s low scores in Ireland and England, Surya opened alongside Abhishek in three consecutive matches against Zimbabwe in July.
During a press conference on Saturday, Iyer remarked, “Having all three players in the team is a good thing. They excel in their respective roles. Yes, it will be a tough decision since they are all performing consistently. Whichever player gets the opportunity will certainly do so for the team’s benefit. It’s crucial for the player who sits out that I communicate with the coach, ensuring them that they will get their chance when the time is right.”
When asked about his preferred playing eleven combination, especially regarding all-rounders, Iyer emphasized the importance of placing the right players in specific positions. “Talking about my preferred combination, having the right player in the right position is essential. Each player has their significance. Instead of just knowing their role, it’s important for them to understand what the team expects from them. When you say, ‘This is your role in the team,’ it puts a lot of pressure on the player. If you frame it better, like saying, ‘The team needs you in this specific role,’ it makes the player feel valued and needed,” he explained.
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