Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has advised Shreyas Iyer to be cautious in his comeback, warning against rushing and the pressure to perform well in the upcoming ODI series opener against New Zealand in Vadodara. Iyer, India’s ODI vice-captain, is returning to international cricket after recovering from a serious spleen injury sustained while fielding in a match against Australia. Despite missing the South Africa series, Iyer showcased his fitness by playing well in Mumbai’s recent Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
Bangar emphasized the importance for Iyer to avoid being hasty and to focus on contributing effectively rather than feeling pressured to start strong immediately. He praised Iyer’s comeback in domestic cricket and highlighted his understanding of ODI cricket, especially noting his exceptional performance in the 2023 World Cup. With Iyer’s return, Bangar believes his skills will greatly benefit the team, particularly in the middle order.
Commenting on Shubman Gill’s early days as India’s ODI captain, Bangar described him as a developing leader, emphasizing that it is a learning process. He mentioned Gill’s valuable access to experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for guidance in making crucial decisions during matches. Bangar expressed confidence in Gill’s growth potential as a captain with more experience.
Regarding India’s advantage in ODIs at home against New Zealand, Bangar pointed out the favorable spin-friendly conditions and a stable batting lineup as key strengths. He highlighted the presence of quality spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and the return of strong batters like Shreyas Iyer and consistent performers like KL Rahul. Bangar concluded by emphasizing India’s batting depth and spin bowling options as significant assets in home conditions.
