Shreyas Iyer is Team India’s biggest burden. You may wonder how that can be said about someone who is captaining India in Shubman Gill’s absence. But captaincy cannot hide the questions surrounding his batting. Look at his ODI numbers since 2024, compare them with India’s other main batters, and the concern becomes clear: is Iyer holding his place because of his performances or his reputation?
India’s 244-run defeat against New Zealand demands a reality check. Is the team getting its selection right? When Virat Kohli fails, who takes responsibility? Unless India finds answers, these weaknesses could hurt the team at the next World Cup.
A defeat by that margin is no ordinary loss. India looked like an inexperienced associate side struggling against an established international team. The response must go beyond disappointment and include a serious assessment of who deserves a place.
Shreyas Iyer ODI Stats Since 2024 Reveal the Gap
Starting from 2024, after the 2023 World Cup, Iyer has played 27 ODIs and batted in 25 innings. He has scored 798 runs at an average of 33.25.
That average becomes more concerning when placed alongside the other leading Indian batters over the same period.
| Batter | ODI batting average since 2024 |
|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | 33.25 |
| Rohit Sharma | 47+ |
| Virat Kohli | 50+ |
| Shubman Gill | 50+ |
| KL Rahul | 50+ |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 70+ |
Iyer is comfortably behind the other four established names in India’s main batting group. Jaiswal, who has also received opportunities, adds another reason to question whether India is making the best use of its batting options.
This is not an argument built around one dismissal. It concerns his overall returns across nearly three years. An average of 33.25, while his main competitors are considerably ahead, does not justify treating his place as automatic.
Continuing to back him without demanding better returns is unfair to talented batters waiting for a sustained opportunity. Reputation should not carry more weight than runs.
His SENA Record Raises Another World Cup Concern
The next ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. With South Africa among the hosts, India must consider how its batters handle extra bounce and movement.
Iyer’s ODI averages in SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia—raise further questions.
| Country | ODI batting average |
|---|---|
| Australia | 26.20 |
| England | 33.66 |
| New Zealand | 48.87 |
| South Africa | 25.66 |
New Zealand is the strongest part of that record. But averages of 26.20 in Australia and 25.66 in South Africa offer little reassurance, while his England average is also modest.
The concern is his technique when the ball bounces or moves. His three batting appearances in the ongoing New Zealand series have done little to inspire confidence; he has looked uncomfortable rather than in control.
India cannot assume that overseas ODI pitches will always offer the same freedom to attack as batting-friendly T20 surfaces. Success in the shorter format does not settle questions about handling longer spells of testing bowling in ODIs.
Why Should Conditions Apply Only to Bowling Selection?
India is willing to leave out a spinner when conditions are unlikely to suit him. Why should the same thinking not apply to the batting order?
If a batter repeatedly struggles against the demands of particular conditions, his selection should face scrutiny too. A familiar name should not receive protection from an assessment that bowlers routinely face.
With Iyer, the issue extends beyond one country. His overall ODI average since 2024 also trails the other main batters. India has enough batting talent to demand a stronger return from an established middle-order player.
Iyer must improve his output and show that he can handle the conditions India will face at the World Cup. If that improvement does not come, the selectors should give another deserving batter a sustained opportunity. Captaincy cannot be a substitute for earning a place with the bat.
