Aakash Chopra Questions Shreyas Iyer’s No. 4 Position Ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Shreyas Iyer‘s repeated struggles against short-pitched deliveries during the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. However, the cricket analyst believes it is too early to suggest that the Indian batter could lose his No. 4 position ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India currently hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Iyer has scored 45 runs across his two innings, getting dismissed by short balls on both occasions. His recent struggles have renewed questions about his technique and long-term role in India’s middle order.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra discussed whether Iyer’s weakness against short deliveries could become a serious selection concern and whether another batter might take his place before the next World Cup.

Aakash Chopra Calls Shreyas Iyer’s Short-Ball Weakness a Slight Concern

Chopra acknowledged that Iyer’s recent dismissals against short-pitched bowling deserve attention. However, he advised against making an immediate judgment about the seriousness of the issue, pointing out that the batter has previously performed well in overseas conditions.

“It’s a slight concern. Whether it’s serious, we will find out in good time. I feel you should wait a little because it’s not like he hasn’t scored runs overseas. It’s not like he hasn’t improved his game against the short ball,” he responded.

The former India opener believes Iyer should be given time to demonstrate whether he can overcome the challenge. His previous performances suggest that he has made improvements against short deliveries, making it important to assess his progress over a longer period.

Chopra also acknowledged that the New Zealand tour has exposed the problem again. Nevertheless, he questioned whether the same difficulty would continue in future matches.

“This New Zealand tour is looking like a slight antithesis. It seems like he is having more difficulties, but will it be like that always? I am not so sure. So, let’s wait and watch a little to see how it unfolds,” he observed.

His comments suggest that the ongoing series could provide useful information about Iyer’s current form, but it should not alone determine his future in India’s ODI setup.

Shreyas Iyer’s Consecutive Short-Ball Dismissals Against New Zealand

Iyer’s difficulty against short-pitched bowling has been particularly noticeable in the first two ODIs. In the opening match, New Zealand repeatedly tested him with short deliveries. He eventually attempted a pull shot but top-edged the ball and was caught at midwicket.

The second ODI brought another similar dismissal. Iyer got into an awkward position while attempting to play a short delivery and ended up ballooning a catch to the wicketkeeper.

Consecutive dismissals against the same type of delivery have naturally attracted attention. Opposition teams could look to exploit this weakness further, especially when Iyer comes to the crease during the middle overs.

For a batter occupying the No. 4 position, the ability to handle different bowling strategies is particularly important. The role often requires someone who can rebuild an innings after early wickets while also accelerating the scoring rate when the situation demands it.

“His Average Has Almost Halved” – Chopra Highlights Iyer’s Recent ODI Decline

Apart from his problems against short deliveries, Chopra also raised concerns about Iyer’s recent ODI batting numbers. Comparing his performances up to 2025 with those after 2025, the analyst pointed out a considerable decline in his average.

“It’s true that if you look at Shreyas Iyer’s numbers up to 2025 and after 2025, his average has almost halved, and the way he is getting out doesn’t look good either. He gets into awkward positions,” he said.

The decline in his recent numbers adds another layer to the discussion surrounding his place in India’s batting order. While Iyer previously established himself as a dependable middle-order batter, his latest performances have raised questions about his consistency.

Chopra also focused on the manner of Iyer’s dismissals. Getting into uncomfortable positions against short-pitched bowling can make it difficult to control shots and avoid mistakes. Improving his technique and decision-making against such deliveries could therefore become an important part of his preparation.

However, the former cricketer remains optimistic about Iyer’s ability to recover his form. He believes the batter’s previous achievements, particularly during the 2023 ODI World Cup, should be considered before questioning his long-term place in the team.

Why Aakash Chopra Still Backs Shreyas Iyer at No. 4

Chopra highlighted Iyer’s impressive performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup as a major reason to remain patient with him. The Indian batter scored more than 500 runs while batting at No. 4 during the tournament, producing an important contribution to India’s campaign.

“However, since he has scored so many runs, including 500-plus runs batting at No. 4 in a World Cup campaign – no Indian had ever done that, albeit that tournament was in India. When you look at it from that perspective, you feel he would manage,” Chopra observed.

That performance demonstrated Iyer’s ability to handle pressure and deliver consistently in one of the most important positions in India’s batting lineup. His success during the tournament remains a significant part of his international record.

Chopra’s argument is that a player with such a strong World Cup record should receive an opportunity to address a difficult period. Rather than immediately considering a replacement, India should evaluate whether Iyer can make the necessary adjustments.

Nevertheless, past achievements do not guarantee future selection. His performances in the remaining matches and subsequent ODI assignments will be important in determining how firmly he holds the No. 4 position.

2027 World Cup: Could India Look for Another No. 4 Batter?

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India’s middle-order combination will remain an important selection topic. The No. 4 position requires consistency, adaptability and the ability to perform against different bowling attacks and playing conditions.

Iyer’s recent struggles could encourage discussions about alternative options, particularly if opposition teams continue to target him with short-pitched deliveries. However, Chopra has not suggested that India should immediately replace him.

Instead, his assessment points towards giving Iyer time to improve and prove that the recent dismissals are not part of a continuing problem. The ongoing New Zealand series provides an opportunity for the batter to respond and regain confidence.

For Iyer, the challenge will be to develop a more reliable approach against short balls without losing the attacking qualities that have made him successful in the middle order.

Chopra Also Raises the 2028 T20 World Cup Challenge

Chopra also discussed Iyer’s responsibilities in T20 international cricket, pointing out that the batter is India’s T20I captain. The 2028 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in New Zealand and Australia, where pitches can offer additional bounce and create challenges for batters.

Such conditions could make the ability to handle short-pitched bowling particularly important. Chopra expressed confidence that Iyer would work on the weakness and improve his technique, just as he has done during his time in the Indian Premier League.

Iyer also captains Punjab Kings (PBKS), giving him experience of handling responsibilities in the IPL alongside his international commitments. Chopra’s comments indicate that he believes the batter has the ability and experience to address the technical challenge.

What Happens Next for Shreyas Iyer?

Shreyas Iyer’s position at No. 4 remains an important talking point as India continue their ODI series against New Zealand. His 45 runs in two innings and consecutive dismissals against short deliveries have raised concerns, but Aakash Chopra believes it is too early to decide whether the problem is serious enough to affect his World Cup selection prospects.

The analyst has acknowledged the decline in Iyer’s recent ODI average while also reminding viewers of his outstanding contribution during the 2023 World Cup. That combination of concern and confidence forms the basis of Chopra’s assessment.

With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, Iyer has time to improve his performances and demonstrate that he can handle the short-ball challenge. His response in upcoming matches could be important for India’s long-term middle-order plans.

For now, Chopra’s message is clear: the weakness deserves attention, but replacing Iyer at No. 4 would be premature. Whether the issue becomes serious enough to threaten his position will become clearer with time and further performances.