New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) India's middle order in One-day International cricket has been a persistent issue for years, particularly since their 2019 World Cup journey ended in the semifinal against New Zealand. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have provided stability at the top, the No. 4 position has remained a puzzle.

However, in recent years, India has found a vital piece to complete the puzzle – a reliable answer to their challenges. Shreyas Iyer has emerged as the solution they've been searching for, a batter who not only complements the illustrious top-order but has also evolved into one of the most effective middle-order batters in world cricket.

In his last seven innings, Shreyas Iyer has accumulated scores of 59, 44, 78, 15, 56, 79, and 45, all while batting in the middle order. During the 2023 World Cup, the 30-year-old Iyer had an impressive campaign, amassing 530 runs, including two centuries at a strike rate of 113. His consistency in ODIs has been remarkable. Since 2022, Iyer has participated in 40 matches at No. 4. In the current Champions Trophy, he has scored 195 runs in four innings, boasting an average of 48.75 and a top score of 79.

Since 2022, he has played 40 innings at No. 4, accumulating 1,773 runs – the fifth highest in the world for that position – with an average of 52.14 and a strike rate of 100.45, the best among the top five middle-order batters.

"He is the most reliable member of the Mumbai squad currently, both in red-ball and white-ball cricket, and he has been performing excellently this season as well. The role he plays is quite challenging; you have to chase runs rapidly while preserving wickets. He has excelled for the national team in that position, embodying the mindset a middle-order batter should possess.

"I believe middle-order batting is a thankless role, and Shreyas bhai has been fulfilling it for years for India. His contributions during crucial matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup were evident," remarked Mumbai cricketer Siddhesh Lad during the Mumbai vs Services match in the Ranji Trophy at Palam A Ground in November 2024.

Iyer's skill against spin was showcased against Pakistan and New Zealand in the ongoing Champions Trophy, where he effectively countered spinners with his quick footwork and balanced aggression. He confidently crossed the crease, created room off the leg side, and stepped out with flair, ensuring India always had momentum in the middle. He has proven that the ability to defend is not lost, frequently ranking among the top run-scorers against spin bowlers.

"The most impressive aspect of his batting is his aggressive approach against spinners and his ability to rotate the strike, essential qualities for a middle-order batter. His unique shot-making, lateral movement around the crease, and knack for finding gaps set him apart. India has struggled to find middle-order batters in ODIs, so I believe Shreyas bhai could be the long-term answer," he added.

While Iyer's fluidity is often noted, the Champions Trophy has revealed a new facet of his game: adaptability. On the slow, turning pitches in Dubai, Iyer has assumed a more traditional ODI role, anchoring the innings when necessary. He even scored his slowest fifty in this tournament, demonstrating his ability to adjust his style based on the situation. He scored a composed half-century to rescue India from a challenging 30 for 3 against New Zealand, and during the high-pressure encounter with Pakistan, he and Virat Kohli stabilized the innings before accelerating at the crucial moment.

Iyer's position in India's white-ball setup was uncertain earlier this year, despite his exceptional record. The team management considered incorporating a left-handed option in the middle order, leading to his exclusion from a few matches. Had Kohli not suffered a knee injury while he was slated for a series against England, Iyer might not have made the team at all. However, when given the opportunity, he seized it.

Iyer, who solidified his credentials as a red-ball player in the Ranji Trophy season 2024-25 with a double-century (233) against Odisha—his highest score in first-class cricket—also significantly contributed to Mumbai's Irani Trophy victory with a 116-run innings.

Since February 2022, Iyer has not only been one of India's most prolific run-scorers but also one of the most impactful. His averages and strike rates in non-powerplay overs rank him among the top five batters from Full-Member nations, behind only players like Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram. He has provided India with the stability needed in the middle order while also delivering acceleration when required—similar to Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.

His resilience was evident in Nagpur, where he remained unfazed by Jofra Archer's short-pitched barrage, hitting him for sixes. Against Pakistan, he faced Haris Rauf's pace with confidence, proving he can contend against high-quality fast bowling.