Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], February 7: Shreyas Iyer, who played a game-changing knock of 59, was initially meant to sit out the opening ODI against England. However, a late-night call from Indian skipper Rohit Sharma changed everything. Iyer’s quickfire innings helped India secure a commanding victory in the first ODI.
There were rumors that Yashasvi Jaiswal was included due to Virat Kohli’s knee injury, but Iyer revealed after the match that Jaiswal had always been part of the plan, and it was he who was originally slated to sit on the bench. Iyer was watching a movie when he received the call from Rohit, instructing him to get ready to play due to Kohli’s swollen knee. He rushed to his room and went straight to sleep, ready for his unexpected inclusion in the playing XI.
At the toss, Rohit confirmed that Virat Kohli was unavailable for the match due to a swollen right knee, leaving a gap in the team. Iyer capitalized on this opportunity, playing a crucial role with a blistering 59 off 36 balls. His performance changed the tempo of the game, especially after India lost two quick wickets—Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal. Iyer’s aggressive knock steadied the innings and ensured India’s successful chase.
Iyer shared the story with ESPNcricinfo, saying, “So, funny story. I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from the skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. And then I hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straight away.”
Iyer also spoke diplomatically about Jaiswal’s inclusion and said, “You know what you want me to say, but I’m going to keep it low-key and cherish this moment, the victory today.”
The match saw a shuffle in India’s playing XI, with Jaiswal opening alongside Rohit. This move resulted in Shubman Gill being dropped to number three. It remains uncertain whether Gill will maintain that position when Kohli returns to the team.
India comprehensively won the first ODI by 4 wickets. After bowling England out for 247, with Ravindra Jadeja and Harshit Patel taking three wickets each, India responded strongly with the bat. Shubman Gill top-scored with 87 (96), and Iyer’s 59 (36) and Axar Patel’s 52 (47) guided the team to a comfortable win.
Iyer has become a key figure in India’s middle order, establishing himself as the go-to number four player in ODIs. He played an important role in India’s journey to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he accumulated 468 runs at an average of 66.25, including two centuries.
As the Champions Trophy looms, the first ODI against England offered few clues about how India would line up in the tournament. It remains to be seen whether Iyer will retain his spot once Virat Kohli is fit to return. Jaiswal’s left-handed batting style could provide an edge to India, which is otherwise dominated by right-handed players.
With two more ODIs to go, India’s approach will become clearer ahead of their Champions Trophy campaign, starting on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.