Iyer can be regular feature in middle order if he continues to shine under pressure: Kohli

Shreyas Iyer's superb form in the ODI series against West Indies has impressed Indian captain Virat Kohli who said the Mumbai batsman can be a "regular feature in middle order" if he continues taking responsibility like he did during this contest.

Kohli smashed back-to-back centuries to lead from the front in the 2-0 series win in the three-match contest against the West Indies while Iyer hit aggressive yet composed 71 and 65 to also play a big role in the victory. The duo had partnerships of 125 and 120 in the second and third ODIs under tricky situations.

"Both times he was batting with me. I have been around for a while and he was not intimidated at all, he was very confident, very sure of his game. At no stage he looked like getting out, that is great to see," Kohli said on Wednesday after India beat West Indies by six wickets under D/L Method to clinch the three-match ODI series 2-0.

"He has suddenly presented a role for himself, coming in and playing according to the situation. Hopefully he builds on to this and keeps performing like this for the team ... he can be a strong contender and a regular feature in the middle order," the Indian captain said.

The Indian team is still trying to figure out its middle-order puzzle and the 24-year-old Iyer's ability to handle pressure with calm and composure can offer a solution to the problem.

"We were under a bit of pressure but his (Iyer's) knock was game-changer (in the third ODI). I think Shreyas, the way he played took all the pressure off me and I could just play with my usual tempo and control the game from one end," said Kohli who hit 114 mot out off 99 deliveries in the third ODI here.

"He understood the value of performing in these situations. It will only boost his confidence further," he added.

The 30-year-old Kohli said Iyer reminded him of his own early days in the India side.

"I was exactly the same when I came in -- any opportunity I got I wanted to win games for my team and play according to the situation and you have to take risks. He (Iyer) was brave under pressure. You need to reveal your game to realise who you are, what your game is and what kind of a player you are."
"Shikhar and Rohit have been brilliant performers for us, one of them usually gets a big score, but if they don't then it's my responsibility in the top three to get a big score. That's how we played and why we have been successful -- 75% win percentage in last three-four years. We have a good template to follow as a team."