New Delhi, June 30: Former Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara believes that Shreyas Iyer has the potential to lead the Indian team in the upcoming T20 series against England. However, he warns that Iyer’s batting will face a significant challenge.
Ahead of the T20 series against England, Pujara stated, “Due to the strength of the established top order in the Indian team, the chances of Vaibhav Suryawanshi making an immediate debut are slim.”
The former player commented on GeoStar, saying, “Becoming the third Indian captain to win a T20 series in England, after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be difficult for Shreyas Iyer. There’s no doubt about that. Even with better white-ball pitches, playing in English conditions presents a unique challenge. This is Iyer’s first time captaining the Indian team, and he is returning to T20 cricket after a two-year hiatus. He faces a tough test ahead.”
Despite the challenges, Pujara expressed confidence in Iyer’s leadership, pointing to his recent success in franchise cricket.
He remarked, “As a captain, I have no doubts about him. He performed exceptionally well with Punjab Kings in the IPL, which is why he has been given this role. He leads the team proactively and gives his players the freedom to express themselves. Iyer’s batting will determine how successful his return to the national T20 team will be. His true test lies in proving himself in the middle order.”
Iyer’s tenure as the Indian T20 captain has started on a disappointing note, with the team losing a two-match T20 series against Ireland under his leadership. India faced defeat in both matches.
Following the Ireland series, the Indian team will play a five-match T20 series against England. The first match is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 PM (Indian Standard Time) in Durham.
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