NewKerala.com

Finch: Respect World Cup Winners, Shreyas Iyer's T20I Return Not Simple

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes bringing in-form Shreyas Iyer back into India's T20I setup is not straightforward due to the team's extraordinary depth and recent World Cup success. He stresses that players who delivered the title deserve respect, creating unfortunate timing for those on the fringes. Finch notes the next T20 World Cup in Australia, with its bouncier conditions, could be an opportunity for a player like Iyer who can perform globally. Despite strong IPL performances, Iyer has been overlooked for India's last two T20 World Cup-winning campaigns.

Key Points: Aaron Finch on Shreyas Iyer's T20I Selection Challenge

  • India's batting depth creates selection logjam
  • World Cup winners deserve to retain spots
  • Next T20 WC in Australia may open doors
  • Iyer's global skills suit bouncy conditions
2 min read

You have to respect World Cup winners: Finch on Shreyas Iyer's T20I chances

Aaron Finch says India's World Cup-winning team deserves respect, making Shreyas Iyer's T20I comeback complex despite strong IPL form.

"You have to respect who's in the position at the moment. They're coming off a World Cup win. - Aaron Finch"

New Delhi, April 17

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes that it is not simple bringing in-form batter Shreyas Iyer back into India's T20I setup, despite his recent impressive performances, including a standout knock of 66 runs against Mumbai Indians, which helped his side chase the 196 runs target in just 16.3 overs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Finch highlighted the extraordinary depth in Indian cricket, particularly in the batting department, suggesting that even top players face stiff competition for a place in the national side. "You look at the depth India has at the moment. We can't beat the side that's in the park. Not sure we'd beat their second side, perhaps even the third," Finch told ESPNCricinfo.

India's recent success, having secured back-to-back T20 World Cup titles, further complicates selection decisions. Finch stressed that players who have delivered on the biggest stage deserve to retain their spots.

"You have to respect who's in the position at the moment. They're coming off a World Cup win. It's not as simple as saying someone is in great form and just bringing him in. It's unfortunate timing for those in the second rung," he added.

However, Finch pointed out that future tournaments, including the next T20 World Cup scheduled in Australia, could open doors for players like Iyer, especially given the different playing conditions.

"With the next World Cup in Australia, conditions will be different-more bounce. You need players who can perform globally, not just in Indian conditions. Shreyas definitely falls into that category," Finch noted.

Despite continuous good performance in IPL, both with the bat and as a captain, Iyer has been overlooked by Team India for T20Is. He has missed India's T20 World Cup title-winning campaigns in 2024 and 2026.

Iyer has played 51 T20Is for India and has scored 1104 runs at an average of 30.66. The middle-order batter has also hit eight fifties.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking for Shreyas though 😔 He's been a rock for KKR, leading from the front. But Finch is right about the timing being unfortunate. The middle order of Sky, Hardik, and Rinku is settled. Maybe he should be the first backup for the Australia tour, considering the bounce factor.
R
Rohit P
This is the problem with having too much talent! As an Indian fan, I love it, but feel for players like Iyer. He's a proven performer. Selectors need to think long-term. The next WC is in Australia, and we need players who can handle pace and bounce. Shreyas has that technique.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I disagree with Finch's core argument a bit. While you must respect winners, you also must pick the best in-form team for the future. Cricket moves fast. If Iyer is in red-hot form and offers something different, he should be in the mix. Loyalty to past performers can't be absolute.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, the depth in Indian cricket is insane. Finch saying they might not beat India's 2nd or 3rd side says it all. Shreyas is a world-class player missing out. It just shows the incredible standard. Tough for him, but great for Indian cricket's future.
K
Karthik V
His IPL form as a captain and batter is undeniable. But the current Indian T20 middle order is on fire. Where do you fit him? Maybe he needs to focus on Tests and ODIs for now. His time in T20Is will come, especially with injuries and rotation. Patience is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50