'How could you bench him?': Ex-cricketer questions India's selection after Shreyas Iyer's revelation on late call-up

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Reacting to Iyer's comments, Chopra took to social media platform X and questioned the team management's selection choices. "Trying to wrap my head around the revelation that Iyer wasn't likely to play if Kohli was fit. He's the first Indian to score 500+ runs batting at No. 4 in a World Cup 2023. How could you bench him?? And if he wasn't going to play, where was Kohli supposed to bat? At 4? Surely, Gill wasn't getting pushed to 4," Chopra wrote.

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Iyer, making the most of his unexpected opportunity, played a crucial knock after India lost two early wickets at 19 for two. He counter-attacked with a stunning 59 off 36 balls, smashing two sixes and nine fours to shift momentum in India's favour.




Reflecting on his last-minute inclusion, Iyer remarked, "I'm going to keep it low-key and just cherish this moment, the victory. I wasn't supposed to play, but I kept myself prepared. I knew that at any point in time I could get a chance."

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Drawing parallels to his own struggles, Iyer added, "The same thing happened with me last year during the Asia Cup. I got injured, and someone else came in and scored a century."

Iyer's performance has now reignited discussions about his place in India's middle order, while Chopra's reaction has raised further questions about the team's selection strategy.


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