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The Night Shreyas Iyer's Defiant 74 Vs Sri Lanka Proved His Worth In India's Big Plans

Soumyajit Dutta

Shreyas Iyer playing the masterclass [Source: @ketuki_kaki/X.com]Shreyas Iyer playing the masterclass [Source: @ketuki_kaki/X.com]

Of all the questions asked of India's middle-order in the lead-up to a World Cup, one emphatic answer came from the bat of Shreyas Iyer on a Dharamsala night in February 2022. The air in Dharamsala was thin, crisp, and for batters facing a rampant Sri Lankan pace attack, it was suffocating. 

With India's celebrated top order back in the hut early and a daunting target of 184 looming, the atmosphere was thick with tension. This was the stage, under the piercing glare of the floodlights, where Shreyas Iyer silenced his critics and authored a definitive, match-winning unbeaten 74, a knock that was far more than just its 44-ball ferocity.

Sri Lanka's Power Rattled India's Hopes

Sri Lanka, powered by a breathtaking late assault from Pathum Nissanka (75) and a blistering, unconquered 47 from just 19 balls by captain Dasun Shanaka, had posted a formidable 183 for 5. The duo had ransacked 72 runs from the final four overs, leaving the Indian bowling attack, usually so composed at the death, looking utterly bewildered. The momentum was squarely with the visitors.

It swiftly swung further in their favour as India's chase began disastrously. Dushmantha Chameera, a perennial thorn in Rohit Sharma's side, knocked over the Indian skipper in the very first over. Lahiru Kumara hurled down thunderbolts, one rattling Ishan Kishan's helmet in a frightening moment. 

Shreyas Iyer's Time To Shine

Shreyas Iyer and Jadeja [Source: @billu_bar8er/X.com]Shreyas Iyer and Jadeja [Source: @billu_bar8er/X.com]

At 56 for 2 after 8 overs, the required rate had ballooned to over 10.5. Iyer, at the crease, was a picture of uncertainty, shuffling, searching, and struggling to time the ball. The Sri Lankan bowlers smelled blood.

Then, in a moment of pure instinct and bravery, the match turned. Facing left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama, Iyer decided enough was enough. He danced down the track, not once, but twice, launching the bowler for two colossal, back-to-back sixes that sailed to the skies.

That was the trigger. From a batter grappling for rhythm, Iyer brought up his fifty off a mere 30 balls, a whirlwind of six fours and four sixes that left the Sri Lankan attack out of ideas and out of answers.

Iyer Brought The Game Home For The Big Win!

While Sanju Samson provided a late, violent flurry of 23 runs in a single over to ease the pressure, it was the entry of Ravindra Jadeja that applied the perfect finish. But the platform, the belief, and the hard yards had been laid by Iyer. He was the steady hand through the storm, the architect of the chase. 

His unbeaten presence at the crease when the winning runs were hit was the most fitting conclusion. This was more than just a series-clinching victory, and was more of a personal triumph for Shreyas Iyer. In a high-pressure chase, against a challenging total and hostile pace, he answered the questions about his temperament and his ability to anchor a fragile innings.