Shreyas Iyer unhappy with missed opportunity in 2nd ODI vs West Indies: Should have converted fifty into hundred
India Today
India tour of West Indies: Shreyas Iyer rued not converting his fifties in the first 2 ODIs into hundreds, saying he understands the importance of scoring big when trying to cement a place in the side.
Star batter Shreyas Iyer said he is happy with his consistency in the ongoing 3-match ODI series in the West Indies but expressed disappointment at not having been able to convert his starts into hundreds. Iyer came up with match-winning contributions in the first 2 ODIs which Shikhar Dhawan-led have won and sealed an unbeatable 2-0 lead.
Shreyas Iyer, batting at No. 3, hit 54 in the first ODI wherein India hit 308 and chipped in with a crucial 63 in the 2nd ODI wherein India successfully gunned down 312.
Iyer, who is more than likely to vacate the No. 3 spot when Virat Kohli returns to the ODI set-up after the break, conceded that he understood the importance of scoring big hundreds, especially when trying to cement a place in the side. The Kolkata Knight Riders captain has played 29 ODIs since making his debut in 2017 but is yet to cement a spot in the XI.
However, Iyer has been in fine form in the 50-over format of the game in 2022, having already scored 3 successive fifties against the West Indies. Iyer tried to clear the in-field but was caught at cover in the first ODI and he fell to an Alzarri Joseph yorker on Sunday in the 2nd ODI.
"I was happy with what I scored today but unhappy the way I was dismissed. I could have taken the team through easily. I was setting up the total and it was unfortunate that I lost my wicket. Hopefully, I can do better and score a century in the next match," Iyer told the press after India's victory in the 2nd ODI in Port of Spain.
"Last time also it was a good catch (to dismiss him). Obviously, I can't say I threw away my wicket but I should have converted it into hundreds. But I feel good to contribute to the team's win.
"It's really fortunate to get to fifty (back to back) but I should have converted into a hundred because I had got a good start. You don't get this kind of starts again and again in international cricket and converting as many fifties to hundred is very beneficial. I thought today was a great chance to do that," he added.
