India's newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is facing mounting pressure after losing his opening two assignments as skipper, with consecutive series defeats against Ireland and England prompting debate over his leadership and tactical approach on the field.
Having taken charge ahead of the tours of Ireland and England, Iyer is yet to register his first victory as captain. The team's recent performances have intensified scrutiny of his decision-making and match management.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Syed Saba Karim believes the time has come for Iyer to stamp his authority as captain.
"I feel the time has come for Shreyas lyer to assert himself as a captain. The tactical captaincy we have seen from him in the IPL has not yet been visible in international cricket,” Karim told JioHotstar.
Karim also questioned India's batting strategy during the defeat in Bristol, expressing surprise over the decision to promote Shivam Dube to No. 5 while Tilak Varma, one of India's most dependable middle-order batters, was kept waiting.
"For example, when he was batting in the middle, Shivam Dube came in at number five. I didn't understand that decision. That is not the Shreyas lyer we know from the IPL. Logically, if he were captaining in the IPL right now, Tilak Varma would have walked in at number five instead of Shivam Dube," he said.
He further stressed the importance of communication from the captain while batting in the middle order, suggesting that Iyer may still be adapting to the demands of international leadership.
"When you are batting in the middle as a captain, the messages you send to your partner are very important. Maybe it will take time for him to grow into the role," he added.
India will have one final opportunity to end the series on a positive note when they face England in the fifth and final T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. England have already clinched the five-match contest with an unassailable 3-0 lead after their emphatic nine-wicket win in Bristol, leaving Iyer's side aiming to avoid a series whitewash.
