Short circuit: Iyer's problems with pull dragging him down

He is India's chosen No.4, but weakness against the short ball has continued to trouble Iyer six years into his India career

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Shreyas Iyer's numbers in ODIs are compact-1931 runs in 52 matches at an average of 45.97 and a strike rate of 97.42. They demonstrate why he has been India's preferred No. 4 for the past four years - he has played more games at the position than anybody else in this period.

These numbers demonstrate why he earned a prompt recall for the Asia Cup in August after his rehabilitation following back surgery. These numbers also tell us of his ability to combine consistency with aggression.

What these numbers don't disclose is a weakness against the short ball that continues to cause trouble six years into his international career. That Iyer has a fine record nonetheless is a testimony to his other attributes, but to establish himself as a batter for all situations and surroundings, a long-term fix must be found to a recurring problem.

His latest failing against the short ball came versus New Zealand in Dharamsala. Having raced to 33 with Virat Kohli playing second fiddle, Iyer had the perfect opportunity to deliver a defining contribution in a tournament where the bulk of the scoring has been done by India's top order. Among his six boundaries, there were a couple of eye-catching pulls against. Lockie Ferguson, easily the quickest bowler in the Kiwi set-up. The first was to a ball directed at his helmet, but Iyer, standing tall, rolled his wrists and sent it through backward square leg. The second was through fine leg to a ball that did not rise above his chest.