Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded star batsman Shreyas Iyer following his impressive half-century in the Champions Trophy match against traditional rivals Pakistan. Iyer has demonstrated remarkable form since the ODI series against England, solidifying his position as an essential player in India's 50-over lineup. The elegant middle-order batsman has achieved four scores exceeding 40 in his last five ODI innings, contributing significantly to the stability of the Indian batting order.

In recent months, Iyer has implemented several technical adjustments to his batting technique, enhancing his ability to handle short-pitched deliveries.

Sidhu, known for his candid opinions, highlighted a distinctive quality that sets Iyer apart from his peers, which was evident in his 56-run performance against Pakistan on Sunday. 

"There is a unique aspect that distinguishes him from others. When navigating precarious situations, speed ensures safety. This player provides that speed. Observe the rate at which the scoreboard advances—Pakistan, after the initial 34 or 35 overs, had only 134 or 140 runs. In the first 10 overs, India scored 60-70 runs. When he steps in, he metaphorically dons his skating shoes, seamlessly shifting from first gear to fourth or fifth gear, and then adjusting his pace. His innings of 56 runs off 67 balls exemplifies this; it is not about scoring a half-century off 95 balls. Shreyas Iyer possesses remarkable qualities," Sidhu remarked on JioStar Network.

“Shreyas Iyer very hard working in the sense…”

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar expressed high regard for Iyer, commending his dedication and resilience during challenging times. 

"He is an individual who exemplifies hard work, having faced numerous obstacles. His absence from Test cricket due to injury has instilled in him a profound appreciation for representing his country. Following his outstanding performance in the World Cup, there was no doubt regarding who would occupy the number four position for India. He is a player consistently striving for improvement," he remarked.

Bangar also highlighted Iyer's enhanced control over his pull shots, noting his progress in handling short deliveries.

"Regarding his strategy against the short ball, I am pleased to see that he no longer retreats to the left side to play towards the offside. Instead, he has developed a technique where he can choose to be defensive when necessary. When he opts to play aggressive shots, he demonstrates a high level of control," he concluded.

Read Also: Pakistan’s Struggles Mount as India Hands Them Another Setback

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