Shreyas Iyer‘s repeated struggles against short-pitched bowling have become a concern for Team India ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Sarpanch was once again dismissed by a short delivery in the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.
Kyle Jamieson used his pace and bounce to get the better of Iyer just when he was starting to look comfortable at the crease.
Shreyas Iyer scored 30 runs off 45 balls, including four boundaries and a six. He was building a partnership with KL Rahul and had helped India recover after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Jamieson bowled a short delivery that troubled Sarpanch. Iyer could not control his shot and edged the ball, allowing Tom Latham to take the catch behind the stumps. The dismissal ended a 39 run partnership between the two batters.
This is another reminder of the problem Iyer has faced against short pitched bowling. Fast bowlers have regularly tested him with deliveries aimed at his body, and he has struggled to find a consistent answer.
Against quality pace attacks, this weakness can put him under pressure, especially when he is expected to hold the middle order together.
The concern is bigger because the 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, where pitches can offer extra pace and bounce.
India’s No. 4 batter will have an important role in those conditions, and the team cannot afford repeated failures against short balls.
Sarpanch needs to improve his technique and approach before the tournament. At the same time, the team management must start preparing another option for the position instead of depending on one batter.
India have enough time to address this issue before the World Cup, but Iyer needs to show improvement against short pitched bowling in the upcoming matches.
His experience makes him an important option, but his place at No. 4 should not be taken for granted. India need a reliable middle order batter who can handle fast and bouncy conditions in South Africa.
