Manjrekar’s Wisdom: Iyer Urged to Bolster Defensive Skills for Test Triumph
Sanjay Manjrekar advises Shreyas Iyer to strengthen his defensive game for Test success. KL Rahul’s comeback speculated, uncertainties in the wicketkeeper slot for the upcoming India vs England Test.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has provided crucial advice to Shreyas Iyer, urging the middle-order batsman to enhance his defensive skills for success in Test cricket. Iyer has faced criticism for his recent struggles in the longest format, managing only 187 runs in 12 innings at an average of 17.00 in his last seven Tests.
Manjrekar stressed the importance of Iyer defining his priorities across different formats. If Test cricket is Iyer’s priority, Manjrekar advised him to focus on improving his defensive game against both pace and spin. Developing confidence in defence, according to Manjrekar, would allow Iyer’s aggressive strokes to be an extension of solid defensive play, rather than a response to pressure.
“Iyer has to decide which are the formats he is going to try and excel in. If Tests continue to be his priority, then he has got to work on his defensive game whether it’s pace and bounce or spin. Develop a game where he is confident in defence and then when he takes the aggressive route it is an extension of the defensive play where he is trying to dominate and not escape pressure by playing a counter-attacking game,” explained Sanjay Manjrekar to the press.
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Manjrekar also speculated on the potential lineup for the upcoming third Test against England, suggesting a comeback for KL Rahul as a specialist batsman. He expressed uncertainty regarding the wicketkeeper position, proposing the exploration of other options due to K.S Bharat‘s recent struggles with the bat.
“Rahul comes in for a batter. Have no idea what the team management and the selectors are thinking about the keeper. Before Rishabh Pant comes and takes his rightful place in the Test squad, would like to have a look at some of the other options India have,” added Manjrekar.
In terms of the bowling lineup, Manjrekar highlighted the presence of pacer Mohammed Siraj and the potential assistance of reverse swing. He suggested that India might opt for two seamers and a finger spinner in the third Test.
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“If Mohammed Siraj was not available as a second seamer, then it would have been easier for India to play four spinners and go the English way. But with Siraj available, and with the reverse swinging creating opportunities for wickets for the seamers, and with the way England have played the finger spinners, India might stick to two seam bowlers and a finger spinner making way,” said Manjrekar.
With the series level at 1-1, the upcoming matches in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala hold significant importance for both teams. However, India will continue to miss star batsman Virat Kohli, who remains unavailable due to personal reasons.