IND vs AUS: More misery for Shreyas Iyer ahead of World Cup 2023, wastes precious opportunity in Mohali

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Shreyas Iyer endured more misery after wasting a precious opportunity in the India vs Australia first ODI at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Friday, September 22.

The right-hand batter got a golden opportunity to play at number three in the absence of Virat Kohli and spend some time in the middle to prove his fitness and form, but ended up getting run out and departing for just three runs off eight balls.

Shreyas Iyer made a comeback in Asia Cup 2023 after six months of injury layoff but could bat only once in the continental showpiece event. He missed India's three Super Fours matches and the Asia Cup 2023 final due to back spasm injury which he suffered just five minutes ahead of India's first Super Fours match against Pakistan.

KL Rahul was induced in the playing eleven in the final moment and he sealed his spot in the middle-order by smashing a comeback hundred. Rahul also making a comeback after a thigh surgery in early May. His comeback was delayed due to a niggle injury which forced him to sit out in the group stage matches.

Shreyas Iyer misfires, spills precious opportunity

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya - who have been rested for the first two ODIs of the three-match series - Shreyas Iyer got the opportunity to get back in the eleven and play at number three.

Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad forged an opening partnership of 142 runs and there was no pressure on Shreyas Iyer when he walked in the middle. The stage was set for him to to get some quality game time, prove his fitness and form before the Indian squad for the World Cup 2023 is finalised.

However, he messed up. He looked nervous in the middle and ended getting run out on the fourth ball of the 24th over. He played a delivery to the left of Cameron Green at cover. Iyer set off for a single despite there being no opportunity for one. Green covered the ground swiftly, got hold of the ball and threw it straight into the gloves of wicket-keeper Josh Inglis who did the rest of the job.

There is pressure on Shreyas Iyer already because of his fitness issues. He has been picked in India's preliminary World Cup 2023 squad ahead of Sanju Samson who has done decently well in ODI cricket and has not fitness concerns.