India’s batting appears to be in great shape as they secured a victory in the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, which has also posed a selection dilemma.
Shreyas Iyer, making a stunning comeback, scored a century that set the stage for India’s impressive 99-run win in the second ODI against Australia. Iyer, who had been sidelined due to injury and underwent back surgery, revealed that he experienced a challenging and lonely phase during his recovery.
“It was a rollercoaster ride. I’ve been working so hard the last few months, and I was in a lonely space,” said Iyer, who was named the player of the match.
The 28-year-old returned to the team during the Asia Cup but was limited to just one batting opportunity in two weeks due to a back spasm. He expressed his excitement at being back on the field and praised the atmosphere in the dressing room. He also discussed his batting strategy, emphasizing simplicity and adaptability to different batting positions.
KL Rahul, the stand-in captain, expressed surprise at the spin in the wicket during the second half of the match. He noted that India’s batting is looking strong despite the absence of key players and the resulting selection challenges.
Regarding team selection, Rahul emphasized that it’s not the players’ decision but their job to perform when given the opportunity. He acknowledged that fielding under lights can be physically challenging, leading to occasional errors.
Looking ahead, Rahul stated that players returning to the team will be eager to make an impact, especially with the World Cup approaching. He expressed confidence that the team would continue to improve.
On the other side, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith acknowledged the team’s recent string of defeats and expressed the need to address issues before the World Cup. He hoped for a turnaround in the next game.
Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) announced a prize of Rs 11 lakh for the ground staff for their efforts in preparing the Holkar Stadium ground despite rain interruptions.
Overall, India’s batting strength and the challenges faced by both teams as they prepare for the World Cup were prominent themes in the post-match discussions.
