In the latest Buchi Babu Cricket Tournament 2024 fixture in Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer‘s batting performance was underwhelming. Representing Mumbai, Iyer struggled significantly, registering scores of just 2 and 22 against the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) XI. His inability to make a meaningful impact was clear as he failed to seize the opportunity presented.
Shreyas Iyer’s vulnerability exposed against short-pitched deliveries
Iyer’s dismissal in the second innings was particularly revealing of a recurring issue in his batting technique. Confronting a short-pitched delivery from Achyuth C V, who bowled from around the wicket, Iyer attempted a pull shot but misjudged the execution. The delivery, aimed at the leg stump, was poorly controlled, resulting in Iyer being caught by Ajith Ram S. This dismissal highlights Iyer’s ongoing struggle with short-pitched deliveries – a consistent weakness that has affected his performance across formats.
Here’s the video:
Shreyas Iyer once again out to Short pitch ball.
He made 22 runs in 2nd innings in Buchi Babu Tournament.#BuchiBabu#MumbaiVsTamilnadu pic.twitter.com/a3fmVuW1ZI— Sports Zone (@rohit_balyan) August 30, 2024
Mumbai’s defeat and Iyer’s limited impact
Mumbai’s struggle was compounded by Iyer’s limited contributions. Despite having several Indian capped players like Suryakumar Yadav and Sarfaraz Khan, Mumbai was bowled out for 156 and 223 in their two innings, leading to a comprehensive 286-run defeat by Tamil Nadu. This loss has seen Mumbai exit the tournament, with Iyer’s performance falling short of expectations.
Also READ: IPL 2025: KKR to trade Shreyas Iyer for Suryakumar Yadav? Here’s what we know
Iyer’s brief bowling stint
Earlier in the game, in an unexpected turn, Iyer also bowled one over in Mumbai’s first innings against TNCA XI. Adopting a bowling action reminiscent of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Sunil Narine, Iyer went wicketless and conceded seven runs. Narine, who played under Iyer’s captaincy in the IPL, had a notable impact on the tournament, adding an interesting dimension to Iyer’s brief bowling stint.
Looking ahead: Duleep Trophy and future prospects
Despite his recent struggles, Iyer has a chance to regain his form in the upcoming 17th edition of the Duleep Trophy, starting on September 5. Appointed as the captain of Team D, Iyer will lead a squad that includes prominent players like Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Tushar Deshpande. This domestic tournament offers Iyer an opportunity to refine his red-ball skills and address the technical issues that have affected his performance in recent matches.
