IND vs SA 2022: Shreyas Iyer reflects on match-winning ton, praises Ishan Kishan

Shreyas Iyer celebrates ton with Sanju Samson (PC: Twitter)

Shreyas Iyer guided India to a comfortable win over South Africa in the second ODI, and brought the three-match series to level terms. The cricketer charted an alluring 113* in a high-octane run-chase, in an innings glittered with 15 boundaries.

Iyer initially played second fiddle to Ishan Kishan’s aggressive assault, then took charge of the scoring rate after the latter’s dismissal. The two cricketers even formed a remarkable 161-run stand for the third wicket, after India had lost both their openers within the first 10 overs of the evening.

Shreyas Iyer and teammates celebrate win, watch video

IND vs SA 2022: Shreyas Iyer says Kishan took on aggressor’s role

India’s interim vice-captain Shreyas Iyer joined Kishan at the crease after Shubman Gill’s exit. The two cricketers steadied the Indian ship from thereon, scored runs at a breakneck pace, all while preserving wickets at both ends.

After the match, the 2022 T20 World Cup-bound player claimed that Kishan took the initiative of scoring rapidly early on in their partnership. The 27-year-old praised his younger teammate for taking up the aggressor’s role, while he himself batted accordingly without invading the left-hander’s privacy.

Iyer also expressed delight over his own match-winning effort. He claimed that the conditions were tough to bat on and he only went through with his shots after applying himself at the crease. He said:

“I am ecstatic, to be honest. It was difficult to bat on when I stepped onto the crease. Kishan said that he would take the aggressor's role. I didn't want to interfere with his privacy there. I batted accordingly. Happy with the way I batted. It was a tough condition and had to apply the process. Once it got easier, I went through with my shots.”

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