‘I feel it’s time’: Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy questioned after England series loss

India’s new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has come under increasing scrutiny after suffering defeats in his first two series in charge. Iyer, who was named captain ahead of the Ireland and England tours, is still looking for his first win as captain, with back-to-back series losses in India raising questions about his tactics and decision-making on the field.Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim questioned Shreyas Iyer’s tactical decisions. “I feel the time has come for Shreyas Iyer to make his mark as a captain. The tactical captaincy we have seen from him in the IPL has not been seen before in international cricket,” Karim told JioHotstar.Karim was particularly critical of India’s batting during the Bristol defeat, questioning Iyer’s decision to send Shivam Dube at No. 5 while Tilak Varma, one of India’s most consistent middle-order batsmen, was retained.“For example, when he was batting in the middle, Shivam Dube came in at number five. I didn’t understand that decision. This is not the Shreyas Iyer we know from the IPL. Logically, if he was leading the IPL right now, Tilak Varma would come in at number five instead of Shivam Dube,” he said.Karim also emphasized the importance of leadership and communication during pressure situations, saying that a captain’s influence goes beyond tactical decisions.“When you’re batting in the middle as a captain, the messages you send to your partner are very important. It may take time for him to grow into the role,” he added.

Victory for the eyes of Shreyas Iyer’s India as England chase a clean sweep

India will look to salvage some pride when they take on England in the fifth and final T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. The home side had already sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after a dominant nine-wicket win in Bristol, leaving Shreyas Iyer’s side desperate to avoid the streak.