Past India thoroughly Irfan Pathan chose the batting order Shreyas Iyer for India in the upcoming five-match T20I series New Zealandstarts on January 21 in Nagpur. Pathan believes that Iyer’s improved game against fast bowling, coupled with his long-standing dominance against spin, makes him an ideal candidate for the role in the shortest format.
Shreyas Iyer was drafted as Tilak Varman’s replacement
Iyer was then included in the Indian squad for the first three T20Is Tilak Varma was excluded from the first three T20Is due to abdominal surgery. The team management is looking for stability at the highest level, with Iyer’s experience and versatility in focus ahead of the match against the Black Caps.
Iyer, who currently leads the Punjab Kings in domestic and franchise cricket, returns to the T20I set-up with a point to prove, especially after working extensively on areas that were once considered weaknesses in his game.
Irfan Pathan picks batting slot for Iyer in T20I series against New Zealand
A speaker during a discussion Robin Uthappa‘s YouTube channel, Pathan revealed that he saw no controversy over Iyer’s batting position. According to him, the right-hander is perfectly suited to number three, a role that requires both adaptability and authority.
Pathan explained that Iyer has always been a strong spin bowler with the ability to use his feet, find gaps and clear the field when needed. However, it is Iyer’s composure and control over high-quality pace bowling that has impressed him the most in recent times.
“Shreyas is definitely at number three. Shreyas has very good spin. That’s one thing. He can play big shots, he can stand and deliver and he can also maneuver the ball very well. But whoever saw him in the last IPL, I think he played the fast bowlers exceptionally well. I remember that one shot he played against Bumrah against the yorker.” Pathan said.
Also READ: Irfan Pathan explains why Axar Patel outscored Ravindra Jadeja in ODIs
Pathan hails Iyer’s performance in IPL
Pathan referred to Iyer’s performances on stage Indian Premier League 2025Here the batter consistently manages the fast bowlers with confidence. A standout was the border crossing jasprit bumrah during the match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab.
Narrating the shot, Pathan highlighted how Iyer took Bumrah’s yorker late and drove it through the third-man region for four. He noted that just surviving Bumrah’s yorkers is a challenge for most batsmen, but Iyer’s ability to place the ball clearly demonstrated his composure and awareness.
According to Pathan, Iyer’s understanding of field placements and his patience show that he is a batsman who knows exactly where his scoring options are, even against the best.
“It was a Mumbai vs Punjab match. Bumrah bowled a yorker and he hit it four times off the off side. So surviving Bumrah’s yorker is tough. The guy actually takes his time, plays the ball late and places the ball where he wants, especially towards third man. He knows where the fielder is and he scores.” Pathan added.
Also READ: Irfan Pathan picks Team India’s ‘Glue’ in T20 World Cup 2026
