Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Shreyas Iyer: IPL Stats Comparison After 66 Matches

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Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Shreyas Iyer [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @IPLnCricket/x.com]Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Shreyas Iyer [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @IPLnCricket/x.com]

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When it comes to batting brilliance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer have made significant impacts for their respective teams. Both players have been at the heart of their sides and have played an instrumental role in their success.

Chennai Super Kings skipper Gaikwad has been one of the most consistent batters in the IPL since his debut in 2020. Meanwhile, Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024, is now Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain after being bought for a whopping INR 26.75 crore.

Ruturaj Gaikwad has featured in 66 IPL matches so far, while Shreyas Iyer has a much longer IPL career with 116 matches under his belt. To ensure a fair comparison, let's break down their performances after their first 66 IPL games.

Overall IPL Performance After 66 Matches

Stats
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shreyas Iyer
Matches6666
Runs23801851
Average41.75
31.91
Strike-Rate136.0127.5
100s20
4/6s220/73167/51
Highest Score108*96


Analysis

  • Gaikwad dominates in almost every batting metric. He has a higher average, more runs, more centuries and a better strike rate after 66 IPL matches.
  • While Iyer has been a steady performer, Gaikwad has been more impactful and aggressive.
  • Gaikwad’s two centuries highlight his ability to play big knocks, something Iyer is yet to achieve.

Performance Against Each IPL Team After 66 Matches

Stats
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shreyas Iyer
vs DC8 matches, 238 runs, Avg 29.75NA
vs GT7 matches, 350 runs, Avg 50.00N/A
vs CSK
N/A8 matches, 210 runs, Avg 30.00
vs KKR8 matches, 327 runs, Avg 46.7111 matches, 378 runs, Avg 42.00
vs LSG5 matches, 183 runs, Avg 61.00N/A
vs MI8 matches, 238 runs, Avg 39.669 matches, 182 runs, Avg 22.75
vs PBKS
8 matches, 241 runs, Avg 34.4210 matches, 284 runs, Avg 31.55
vs RR7 matches, 210 runs, Avg 42.006 matches, 118 runs, Avg 23.60
vs RCB8 matches, 199 runs, Avg 28.428 matches, 255 runs, Avg 31.87
vs SRH7 matches, 394 runs, Avg 56.2810 matches, 303 runs, Avg 33.66


Analysis

  • Gaikwad has a much better record against teams like MI (39.66 avg vs Iyer’s 22.75) and SRH (56.28 avg vs Iyer’s 33.66).
  • Against KKR, PBKS, and RCB, both have performed similarly with Iyer holding a slight edge in total runs.
  • Gaikwad has destroyed GT and LSG whenever he has played against them, averaging 50+ whereas Iyer didn't play against these teams as they were introduced later in the IPL.
  • Against RR, Gaikwad (42.00 avg) has outperformed Iyer (23.60 avg).

Clearly, Gaikwad has been more dominant against multiple teams while Iyer has had mixed performances.

Home, Away & Neutral Venues Performance After 66 Matches

Stats
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shreyas Iyer
Home26 matches, 964 runs, Avg 41.9131 matches, 925 runs, Avg 34.25
Away25 matches, 773 runs, Avg 33.6031 matches, 756 runs, Avg 27.00
Neutral15 matches, 643 runs, Avg 58.454 matches, 170 runs, Avg 56.66


Analysis

  • Gaikwad has been dominant in neutral venues, averaging 58.45.
  • Iyer has struggled more away from home (27.00 avg) compared to Gaikwad’s 33.60.
  • Gaikwad is more consistent across all venues, making him a more adaptable batter.

Performance Comparison as Captain & Not as Captain After 66 Matches

Stats
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Shreyas Iyer
Matches as Captain1428
Runs as Captain583893
Highest Score as Captain108*93*
Batting Average as Captain53.0035.72
Centuries as Captain1
0
Matches Not as Captain5238
Runs Not as Captain1797985
Highest Score Not as Captain101*96
Batting Average Not as Captain39.0629.03
Centuries Not as Captain1
0


Analysis of Captaincy Impact

  • Gaikwad thrives under captaincy with a massive 53.00 average in his first IPL season as a leader.
  • Iyer’s numbers as captain are solid, averaging 35.72, but they don’t show the same boost in performance as Gaikwad’s do.
  • Gaikwad’s strike rate and consistency remain elite, while Iyer’s performances saw a slight dip in captaincy compared to when he was not leading.
  • Gaikwad has more centuries and 50+ scores overall, proving he has adapted well to leadership.

If Gaikwad continues at this rate, he could establish himself as one of the best captain-batters in IPL history. Meanwhile, Iyer has experience leading but hasn't seen a massive spike in performance when given the responsibility.

Final Verdict: Who Has the Edge After 66 Matches?

Both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer are top-class batters with the ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed. However, if we compare their first 66 matches statistically and impact-wise, Gaikwad clearly holds the edge:

  • Higher batting average (41.75 vs 31.91)
  • Better strike rate (136.0 vs 127.5)
  • More centuries (2 vs 0) and half-centuries (19 vs 13)
  • Dominates against key teams like MI, RR, SRH, and LSG
  • Better performances at home, away, and neutral venues
  • More impactful seasons with 500+ runs multiple times
  • Better batting stats as captain

While Shreyas Iyer is a proven leader and a dependable batter, Gaikwad’s IPL numbers suggest he is the more consistent and dynamic player after 66 matches.