Fri Feb 07 09:18:12 UTC 2025: ## India’s World Cup Star Shreyas Iyer Benched, Raising Eyebrows

**Nagpur, India** – Shreyas Iyer’s stunning 36-ball 59 in India’s first ODI victory against England has thrown the team’s selection policies into sharp focus. The explosive innings, lauded by commentators for its power and innovative shot selection, came after Iyer revealed he was a late replacement for Virat Kohli, only learning of his inclusion the night before the match.

Iyer, the leading run-scorer for India at number four in the recent World Cup, with a record-breaking 530 runs, has found himself inexplicably out of favor. Despite his World Cup heroics, he was dropped from the Test and T20I squads, lost his BCCI central contract, and was relegated to the domestic circuit. His inclusion against England appeared to be only due to Kohli’s injury.

This has sparked widespread criticism, with former cricketer Aakash Chopra questioning the rationale behind benching a player of Iyer’s caliber and recent performance. Chopra pointed out the seeming contradiction of dropping the highest-scoring Indian number four from a World Cup, especially considering that Kohli’s usual batting position is not number four. The uncertainty over Iyer’s future, with the return of Kohli and the inclusion of Yashasvi Jaiswal, has raised concerns about India’s batting strategy heading into the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Experts highlight Iyer’s improved ability to handle pace bowling, a significant development showcased in his Nagpur innings. His powerful hitting and tactical awareness impressed commentators like Kevin Pietersen and Parthiv Patel, who noted a subtle yet effective change in his technique. However, his omission from the team, despite his recent improvements and past World Cup success, suggests a selection dilemma that could significantly hinder India’s chances in the spin-friendly conditions anticipated in the Champions Trophy. The question remains: what exactly has Iyer done to warrant his demotion? His absence could cost India a vital middle-order batsman against spin, particularly in Dubai.

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