India coach Rahul Dravid said Shreyas Iyer was not left out of the India squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan because of disciplinary issues. Dravid said it was difficult for the team to fit in an extra batter in the team which is already studded with promising players.
Media reports on Wednesday suggested Shreyas Iyer might have been left out of the Indian T20I side over indiscipline. Dravid, during a press conference, ahead of the first T20I against Afghanistan, said that was not the case.
“No disciplinary reason for Shreyas Iyer’s exclusion. It’s unfortunate because he is an excellent batsman but there are so many of them,” Dravid said.
Shreyas Iyer was vice-captain of the Indian team for the 5-match T20I series against Australia but did not feature in the T20Is against South Africa a few weeks later.
Speculation was rife when Shreyas Iyer was named in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad against Andhra on Wednesday.
Shreyas Iyer has been a key member for India in the shorter formats. He was in great form during the ODI World Cup which Australia won in November.
In 51 T20 Internationals so far, Iyer has scored 1104 runs at an average of 30.66. These three matches against Afghanistan are the only T20Is India play before the T20 World Cup in June.
Ishan ‘Unavailable’
Ishan Kishan’s exclusion was also a matter of debate. He had withdrawn himself from the tour of South Africa citing mental fatigue. However, Kishan was spotted partying in Dubai. Speaking on Kishan, Dravid went on to say, “he requested for a break in South Africa which we supported. I am sure when he is available, he will play. When he is available, I am sure he will play domestic cricket and get back.”
Ishan has appeared for India in 32 T20 Internationals and has scored 796 runs. In the series against Australia, Ishan played 3 of the 5 matches. He scored half-centuries in the first two games before being dismissed for a duck in the third.
