Shreyas Iyer, 28, says he is ready to play wherever for the hosts at the 2018 Cricket World Cup despite the fierce battle for a slot in India’s batting lineup.
Beforeuffering a serious back injury in March that necessitated surgery, the elegant right-hander, who scored the game-winning century in the second one-day encounter against Australia on Sunday, had picked down the number four slot.
The situation did not improve after his return.
He was chosen for the Asia Cup team, but a back spasm kept him out of much of India’s winning campaign.
But on Sunday, Iyer demonstrated his value with a 90-ball 105 to help India win the series in Indore, earning Player of the Match honors.
Iyer declared that he would bat wherever India captain Rohit Sharma instructed him to, citing the good performances of KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav.
Iyer, who will likely bat at number four in the World Cup, told reporters, “I’m flexible about whatever number I’d be getting to bat.”
“(It’s) wherever the team needs me at that particular time, whether that means moving up or down the order.
“The best thing about this team is the competitiveness; I can’t be moaning as a professional.
All I can say is that I will seize the opportunity I will receive in the future and spare no effort in my preparation.
Iyer averages over 46 in ODIs and has a respectable strike rate of 97.55, so the Mumbai hitter was aware of the significance of his most recent strike.
“Coming off an injury, that was one of my best innings. I couldn’t wait to show up and perform for the crew.
“I always convince myself that the odds are against me. It has to do with my attitude, especially under pressure.
When India and Australia play the last one-day international in Rajkot on Sunday, they will want to win the series 3-0.
