‘Have you seen how many pull shots I’ve scored’- Shreyas Iyer speaks up on his short-ball weakness allegations
On Thursday, November 2, in Mumbai, India extended their winning streak to seven matches in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 by defeating Sri Lanka. The hosts secured a resounding victory with a massive 302-run margin, marking the second-largest winning margin in terms of runs in the history of this prestigious tournament.
Shreyas Iyer, who has only managed to score one half-century in the first six matches of the tournament has raised concerns due to his inconsistent form so far. However, the local hero silenced his critics with an outstanding performance, smashing 82 runs off just 56 deliveries, including three fours and six sixes. Despite doubts about handling short-pitched deliveries, the 28-year-old confidently addressed this issue during the post-match press conference.
Shreyas Iyer responded, “When you say it’s a problem for me, what do you mean? Have you seen how many times I’ve hit pull shots that went for four?” He further explained, “You know, if you attempt to attack a ball, you’re always at risk of getting out, whether it’s a short ball or an overpitched delivery. If I had been dismissed a couple of times, you all would have said I can’t play an inswinging ball or a seaming delivery. There’s this perception created outside that I struggle with short-pitched deliveries, and I believe that people pick up on it from time to time, and it lingers in your mind, which makes you work on it regularly,” added the Mumbai-based batsman.
India become first team to qualify for 2023 World Cup semi-finals with unbeaten 7/7 record
The Indian team became the first to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup on Thursday, as the side thrashed Sri Lanka by 302 runs in Mumbai. The victory was India’s seventh in the competition in as many matches, as Rohit Sharma’s bunch remains the only undefeated side at the World Cup. India once again showcased their dominance in a commanding performance against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium, bowling the islanders out for just 55 in a 358-run chase. The trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order, much like their previous thrashing of Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final back in September.
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