India’s new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has come under increasing scrutiny after suffering defeats in his first two series in charge. Appointed skipper ahead of the tours of Ireland and England, Iyer is still searching for his first victory as captain, with India’s back-to-back series losses raising questions over his tactics and on-field decision-making.Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim questioned Shreyas Iyer’s tactical decisions. “I feel the time has come for Shreyas Iyer 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 was particularly critical of India’s batting order during the defeat in Bristol, questioning Iyer’s decision to send Shivam Dube in at No. 5 while Tilak Varma, one of India’s most consistent middle-order batters, was held back.“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 Iyer 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.Karim also highlighted the importance of leadership and communication during pressure situations, saying a captain’s influence extends beyond tactical decisions.“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.

Shreyas Iyer’s India eye consolation win as England chase clean sweep

India will look to salvage some pride when they take on England in the fifth and final T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Saturday. The hosts have already sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after a dominant nine-wicket victory in Bristol, leaving Shreyas Iyer’s side desperate to avoid a series whitewash.