Country not prepared to see Team India collapsing, says Shreyas Iyer

Rajkot, Jan 16: After the humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Australia in the first ODI of the three-match rubber, Shreyas Iyer on Thursday said the nation is never ready to witness the collapse of Team India in such a manner. Iyer also expressed that he is ready to bat at any position which is suited for the team after being pushed down to No.5 in the first ODI against his usual No.4 spot.

India lost the first ODI by 10 wickets to Australia where batting first, the hosts played both Shikhar Dhawan and K.L. Rahul with the latter coming in at No.3.

Skipper Virat Kohli came at No.4 which meant Iyer, who has done well at No.4, batted at 5. Kohli later said the move has to be re-thought as it did not work out.

"In this situation, you should be ready to bat at any number because it is really important to play in the team, (considering) the competition which we have right now," Iyer told reporters on the eve of the second ODI.

"We can't give any reasons for batting at any particular number. Yes it is really important for us to be focused and not to cry about why we haven't been batting at a similar position. Experimentation is something we are looking forward to. Hopefully, we will get a good number for each batsman.

"This is the time we should try and experiment things and hopefully it will work out in the future," opined the 25-year-old.

On the embarrassing 10-wicket defeat to Australia in the series opener, Iyer said: "The country is not prepared to see us collapsing like that. It's part and parcel of the game, you have to take it in your stride and move forward. We know as a team we have been playing really well throughout the season. There is a lot of learning from it."

Jasprit Bumrah had an off day in office in the first ODI as he returned from injury in just the previous T20I series against Sri Lanka. Iyer said ODI's No.1 bowler is the same at the nets and nothing has changed.

"He is same as usual, he is sharp and bowling at good pace. Same old Bumrah we know. Nothing has changed in him. I don't need to talk extra about that."

He was also asked about Glenn Maxwell, who was not picked for the series by Australia.

"He is an amazing lad to play alongside. He motivates and there is a lot to learn from him. I don't know about his selection but there is a lot to learn from him," expressed Iyer.