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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing critique of India's Shreyas Iyer, highlighting his perceived lack of hunger for red-ball cricket. Ali's criticism stems from Iyer's recent performance in the Duleep Trophy, where he was dismissed for a duck, prompting Ali to question his dedication and approach to the longer format of the game. Ali believes that Iyer's focus on boundaries, rather than prioritizing red-ball cricket, is hindering his progress and demonstrating a lack of respect for the game.
Ali pointed out Iyer's success in limited-overs formats, specifically his two centuries in the World Cup, but argued that this achievement does not translate to success in Test cricket. He expressed disappointment in seeing Iyer's lack of concentration and the absence of a substantial contribution to the team's total in the Duleep Trophy match. He questioned Iyer's dedication to Test cricket, stating that he appeared more concerned with hitting boundaries rather than building a strong innings. This criticism directly relates to Iyer's recent exclusion from the Indian Test squad following a string of subpar performances.
Iyer's recent form in Test cricket has been below par, failing to reach the 50-run mark in his last 13 outings. This prolonged struggle led to his omission from the team after the second Test against England earlier this year. Basit Ali's comments underscore the growing concern about Iyer's ability to succeed in the demanding world of Test cricket. His criticism sheds light on the need for a shift in Iyer's approach, urging him to prioritize red-ball cricket and develop a greater understanding of the format's nuances. Whether Iyer can heed this criticism and adapt his approach to Test cricket remains to be seen.
Source: 'If Shreyas Iyer is thinking he is similar to Virat Kohli...': Basit Ali