IND vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer repeatedly falling to short balls is a blot on Rahul Dravid's coaching career

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IND vs ENG: Shreyas Iyer's form came under scrutiny after his weakness against short deliveries was exposed once again in India's World Cup 2023 match against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday.

Batting first for the first time in World Cup 2023, India were reduced to 27/2 in seven overs. Iyer was expected to keep the India innings afloat by playing sensible and risk free cricket, but the 28-year-old chose to take his chance against his nemesis delivery - a short ball from Chris Woakes in the 12th over.

The delivery was not even full short but the length was enough to tempt and lure Shreyas Iyer to fall into the trap laid out for him. He went for the pull but the top-edge ballooned up and landed into the hands of mid-on fielder Mark Wood.

Iyer once again failed at the responsibility which a number four batter is assigned with. His weakness againt short balls was exposed during his previous outing against New Zealand as well.

The critical number four spot has traditionally been meant to give solidity but the Mumbai batter has failed in the role four out of six times in the ongoing tournament.

"He (Shreyas Iyer) lost his patience. He was batting on 19, and threw his wicket away. Shubman Gill (was batting on) fifty (52), threw his wicket away," said Gavaskar on Star Sport after Shreyas Iyer got out for 19 against Bangladesh.

IND vs ENG: Iyer's repeatedly committing same mistake a blot on Rahul Dravid's coaching career

Ironically, the repeated mistakes from Shreyas Iyer are coming under the watch of head coach Rahul who himself made a name for himself and earned the tag of 'The Wall' by his sheer discipline and hard work during his playing days.

Dravid was someone who would not commit a mistake twice. Even if he would, the gap between the two similar mistakes would be really long. The former India number captain was undeterred and unperturbed even after as many as 40 dot deliveries.

Iyer committing the same mistake, not rectifying mistakes and not putting price on his wicket with a person like Dravid around him is nothing but shocking and worrying at the same time.

Not to forget, the management has shown great faith in Iyer and him repaying the faith in this fashion has started to look bad now. Iyer got injured in Asia Cup 2023 - a series which was actually his comeback series after an injury which has kept him away from the game for six months.

Someone like Sanju Samson was left out. Ishan Kishan, who has performed in opportunities he has got, is sitting out warming the bench. The long rope being given to Iyer has started to raise eyebrows. Dravid and the batter need to find a way to solve the glaring issue.