Ind vs Aus: Shreyas Iyer Will be a Crucial Player in Rishabh Pant’s Absence – Ravi Ashwin Ahead of BGT

India is set to face Australia in four test matches starting from 9th February. Ravichandran Ashwin believes that in the absence of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer will be an important batter for the hosts in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

New Delhi: India is set to face Australia in four test matches starting from 9th February. Ravichandran Ashwin believes that in the absence of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer will be an important batter for the hosts in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Due to a back injury, Shreyas has been ruled out of the first Test against Australia, which begins on February 9 in Nagpur. He also missed the white-ball series against New Zealand. As per an ESPNcricinfo report, Iyer needs more time in rehabilitation to recover.

However, it is most likely that the middle-order batter will join the Indian team for the second Test, which begins on February 17 in Delhi. Ashwin shared his thoughts on Shreyas’ significance to the Indian red-ball team, particularly in light of Pant’s absence.

“Shreyas Iyer has been India’s go-to Test batter alongside Rishabh Pant in the last couple of years. That in itself is a lesser compliment for him. He has been the backbone of this batting order. He is going to be a crucial player for India in Pant’s absence,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Rishabh Pant is won’t be able to take part in International cricket for an indefinite period following his horrific car accident. He was one of the stand-out performers in the past Border Gavaskar Trophy clashes.

Shreyas has played an important role for Team India in the middle order. He even helped in Team India’s victory in the recently concluded India vs Bangladesh test series. He possesses skills to both anchor innings and change gears in crucial moments, which will be an important asset in the upcoming clash against the Aussies.