Gautam Gambhir’s Animated Response to Shreyas Iyer’s Short-Ball Dismissal Goes Viral on the Internet
Shreyas Iyer’s battles with short-pitched deliveries resurfaced during a recent ODI match against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. In the first game of the three-match series, Iyer fell victim to a short ball bowled by Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, highlighting a long-standing issue in his batting technique.
Match Highlights
In the 14th over, Hazlewood delivered a sharply rising ball that Iyer failed to handle properly. As it angled awkwardly, Iyer attempted to fend it off, only to glove it into the hands of wicketkeeper Josh Philippe. This dismissal marked another low point for Iyer, who managed just 11 runs off 24 balls.
Gautam Gambhir’s Animated Response
Following Iyer’s dismissal, an unexpected interruption from rain paused the game. During this break, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen animatedly discussing the situation with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Their conversation appeared to revolve around the techniques Iyer needs to improve, with Gambhir showcasing the mode of dismissal using his hands.
The exchange captured the attention of viewers, as Gambhir’s visible frustration with Iyer’s recurring struggles against short balls became a topic of discussion on social media. Clips of the moment quickly went viral, as fans expressed their amusement at Gambhir’s expressive gestures.
Statistics Against Hazlewood
This dismissal marked the seventh time Hazlewood has taken Iyer’s wicket across various formats. The dismal statistics show that in seven ODIs, Iyer has only managed to score 55 runs against Hazlewood, resulting in three dismissals. His average against the Australian bowler stands at 18.33, indicating a noticeable vulnerability.
| Opponent | Innings | Runs Scored | Dismissals | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | 7 | 55 | 3 | 18.33 |
Challenges for Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has seen its share of challenges. The Indian cricket team recently faced a disappointing 0-3 home defeat against New Zealand, followed by a 1-3 loss during the tour of Australia. Consequently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a strict ten-point directive aimed at enhancing player discipline.
Ravi Shastri, a former coach, emphasized the obstacles Gambhir faces, noting the need for stringent measures to ensure player focus and performance. With Iyer’s performance under scrutiny, Gambhir aims to address these technical flaws before the series progresses.
