Shreyas Iyer's new T20I batting position revealed by ex-India cricketer

Irfan Pathan wants Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 [Source: @Shanu_3010, @OnlyGGmatters/x.com]

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his weight behind Shreyas Iyer, urging the team management to lock him in at No. 3 for India’s T20Is. With the IND vs NZ T20I series around the corner, Irfan believes the role fits Iyer like a glove and that India would be missing a trick if they look past him once again.

Iyer has been added to the squad for the first three matches of the five-game T20I series and Irfan feels this is the perfect window to back him properly rather than treating him like a stop-gap option.

Irfan Pathan makes strong case for Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 in T20Is

Irfan didn’t mince his words. According to him, Iyer at No. 3 in T20Is is a no-brainer. He feels the Mumbai batter has the rare ability to boss both spin and pace, something India have often lacked in the middle overs.

Speaking on Robin Uthappa’s YouTube channel, Irfan pointed out how Iyer can rotate strike, absorb pressure, and still clear the ropes when needed.

The Indian veteran also reminded everyone of Iyer’s IPL form, where he took on quicks with confidence and didn’t shy away from the short ball. Give him a defined role, Irfan feels, the Punjab Kings captain will repay that trust more often than not.

“Shreyas at No. 3 in T20is, no doubt. He has the ability to play spin really well. He can play big shots and he can also manoeuvre the ball really well. Whoever saw him in the last IPL, he was playing the fast bowlers exceptionally well. If you give him a place and look at his form, he will come in and perform."

When did Shreyas Iyer last play a T20I for India?

Iyer’s last T20I outing came back in December 2023, in Bengaluru, where he smashed 53 off 37 balls. It was the kind of knock that steadies the ship.

Yet, despite doing the job, that innings ended up being his last appearance in India colours in the format. Since then, he has been in and out of conversations, never fully locked into India’s T20 plans. Irfan believes that needs to change.

IPL success speaks louder than selection debates

If leadership and big-stage temperament count for anything, Iyer’s recent IPL record makes a strong case. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and followed it up by taking Punjab Kings to the final in 2025.

Back-to-back finals with two different teams don’t happen by luck. It’s proof that Iyer understands pressure situations, something T20 cricket demands in truckloads.

Injuries slowed him down, not his mindset

Iyer’s career has hit a few speed bumps, mainly due to injuries. Even so, he remains part of the ongoing IND vs NZ ODI series and is firmly back in the mix.

Irfan also urged the BCCI not to drop Iyer once Tilak Varma returns from injury, suggesting that form and role clarity should matter more than musical chairs.

With the India's T20 World Cup squad already announced and Iyer not part of it, the upcoming series starting January 21 in Nagpur offers India a chance to plan beyond just one tournament.