Former Indian selector Saba Karim reckons Shreyas Iyer has played a very vital role in India’s one-day setup. Iyer recently made a comeback to the Indian team after recovering from a back injury. The right-hander scored 14 runs in the group stage match against arch-rivals Pakistan whereas he didn’t get to bat against Nepal.

But, ahead of the Super Fours stage match against Pakistan, Iyer was ruled with a back spasm as KL Rahul replaced him. Iyer could no longer take any part in the continental tournament.

However, Iyer has been named in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia. The right-hander has done a fine job for the national team while batting in the middle order, scoring 1645 runs in 44 ODI matches at an average of 45.69 and a strike rate of 96.82.

“I am glad that they are persisting with Shreyas Iyer. It really shows that the team management and selectors trust him so much. And Shreyas played a very vital role in the one-day setup. So, I am happy to see that they are backing him right till they announce the World Cup side,” Saba Karim said in a conversation on JioCinema’s ‘Home of the Blues.’

Karim added there should not be any questions regarding Iyer’s place in the team if he is fit as he has proved his mettle in the past.

“I don’t think there should be any issue with him being part of the side if he’s fit, even if he does not score runs in these two or three games – it does not matter. You need to back players who have done well for you in the past and they in any case get three ODI games here plus the two practice matches. The kind of player Shreyas Iyer is – I am pretty excited for him to get back into the fold and score runs at the right time for the Indian side,” Karim added.

Iyer will look to make a mark in the ODI series against Australia. The first ODI between India and Australia will be played at Mohali on Friday.