Shreyas Iyer Career
Shreyas Iyer is a regular in India's white ball squads [Twitter]
Indian batter, Shreyas Iyer is known for his batting skills and versatility across white-ball formats of the game. Born on December 6, 1994, in Mumbai, Iyer rose through the ranks of domestic cricket to make a significant mark on the international stage. He is particularly recognized for his aggressive batting style, highlighted by innovative stroke play and his ability to adapt to different conditions and situations.
Iyer first garnered attention in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his performances with the bat made him a standout player. He has been a key player for his IPL teams, showcasing not just his batting skills but also his potential as a leader. This experience in high-pressure situations in the IPL laid a solid foundation for his international career.
Making his debut for the Indian team in T20 internationals and One Day Internationals in 2017, Iyer quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. His ability to handle spin and pace bowling with ease has made him a valuable player in India's batting lineup.
Shreyas Iyer Early Career
Iyer's journey into the world of cricket began in the busy neighbourhood of Chembur, Mumbai.
A crucial moment in Iyer's early cricket career occurred at the age of 18 when he caught the eye of former Indian cricketer, Pravin Amre, who also is a respected name in Indian cricket coaching circles, at Shivaji Park Gymkhana. Amre, recognizing the raw talent and potential in Iyer, took him under his wing, shaping and honing his skills during these crucial formative years.
During his time at Podar College, Iyer's cricketing talents came to the forefront, playing a significant role in his college team's success. His contributions were instrumental in lifting several trophies, marking him as a standout player in Mumbai's competitive college cricket scene. These early wins in his collegiate cricket career laid a solid foundation for his future endeavours in the sport.
Shreyas Iyer International Career
Emergence on the International Stage
Iyer's entry into international cricket was marked by his inclusion in India's Test squad in March 2017 as a cover for Virat Kohli. His first involvement came in the fourth Test against Australia, where he made an impact as a substitute fielder, running out Steve O'Keefe.
Debut in T20I and ODI
Later in 2017, Iyer's growing reputation earned him a place in India's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for the series against New Zealand. He made his T20I debut on November 1, 2017, in a match against New Zealand. Although he did not bat in that game, it marked the beginning of his journey in the shortest format of the game.
In the same year, Iyer was named in India's One Day International (ODI) squad for the series against Sri Lanka. He made his ODI debut on December 10, 2017, against Sri Lanka but got out for 9. However, he made a significant impact by scoring 88 runs off 70 balls in the second ODI at Mohali.
Record-Breaking Performances
Iyer continued to showcase his talent in the limited-overs format. On December 18, 2019, he set a record in an ODI against the West Indies by scoring 31 runs in a single over off Roston Chase, the most by an Indian batsman in ODIs.
His T20I brilliance was further highlighted in 2020 during a series against New Zealand. On January 24, 2020, he scored an unbeaten 58 off 29 balls in the first T20I, earning the Man of the Match award. He followed it up with a 44-run performance in the second T20I. In the ODI series that followed, Iyer scored his maiden ODI century against New Zealand, highlighting his growing stature in international cricket.
Shreyas Iyer T20I Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | Highest Score | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 1104 | 30.7 | 136.1 | 74* | 8 | 0 |
Test Debut and Continuing Success
In 2021, Iyer was named as a reserve player for India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and was also included in the Test squad for the series against New Zealand. He made his Test debut on November 25, 2021, against New Zealand, where he scored a century on debut, joining an elite group of Indian cricketers who have achieved this feat.
Shreyas Iyer Test Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | Highest Score | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 17 | 666 | 41.6 | 65.8 | 105 | 5/1 |
His Test form also remained strong, as evidenced by his performance against Sri Lanka in March 2022, where he scored two crucial fifties on a challenging pitch, earning the Man of the Match award and the ICC Player of the Month for February 2022. Later that year, Iyer scored his second ODI century against South Africa.
Battling Injuries and Making a Strong Comeback
Iyer's career, however, faced challenges due to back pain, leading to his withdrawal from the New Zealand series in January 2023 and his eventual drop from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He underwent back surgery in England, missing the ICC World Test Championship Final.
Despite these setbacks, Iyer's dedication and hard work saw him make a strong comeback. He was named in the squad for the Asia Cup 2023. After that, in the second of the three-match ODI series against Australia in Indore, Iyer scored 105 runs off 90 balls. His performances continued to impress, as he had a standout World Cup, scoring 530 runs in 11 matches at an average of 66.25, including two centuries.
Shreyas Iyer ODI Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | Highest Score | 50 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 2383 | 49.6 | 101.3 | 128* | 18 | 5 |
Shreyas Iyer IPL Career
Early Breakthrough and Rising Stardom
Iyer's journey in the IPL began in February 2015 when he was signed by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for a whopping INR 2.6 crores. This signing made him the highest-earning uncapped player in the tournament. Iyer's debut season in the IPL was nothing short of impressive. He scored 439 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.76 and a strike rate of 128.36. His consistent performances earned him the title of the Emerging Player of the 2015 IPL season.
Leadership Role
In the 2018 IPL Auction, the Delhi Daredevils retained Iyer, an attestation to his value and potential within the team. On April 25, 2018, a significant moment in his IPL career arrived when he was announced as the new captain of the Delhi Daredevils, taking over from Gautam Gambhir. This appointment made him the youngest captain in the history of the Delhi Daredevils and the fourth youngest to lead any IPL side, at the age of 23 years and 142 days.
Iyer's captaincy debut on April 27, 2018, against the Kolkata Knight Riders was marked by a stunning performance. He scored an unbeaten 93 off just 40 deliveries, including 10 sixes. This explosive innings was instrumental in setting a hefty total of 219/5 in the first innings and earned him the Man of the Match award. Under his leadership, the Delhi Daredevils secured a 55-run victory over KKR.
Guiding Delhi Capitals to New Heights
In 2019, under Iyer's leadership, the newly rebranded Delhi Capitals reached the playoffs for the first time in seven years. His captaincy skills and batting performances were critical in transforming the team's fortunes.
The 2020 season saw Iyer continuing as the captain of the Delhi Capitals. Under his guidance, the team reached its maiden IPL final, facing off against the Mumbai Indians. Iyer played a valiant knock of an unbeaten 65 off 50 balls in the final, although the team ended up on the losing side.
Overcoming Injury and New Franchise
Iyer faced a setback in 2021 when he missed half the IPL season due to a left shoulder injury sustained while playing for India. However, he made a strong comeback after six months, rejoining the Delhi Capitals with renewed vigour.
In the 2022 IPL Auction, Iyer started a new chapter in his IPL career when he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹12.25 crores, further highlighting his value in the league. He was also appointed as the team's captain, a role that he embraced with his usual zeal.
Despite missing the 2023 season due to injury, Iyer's leadership and batting skills continue to be highly regarded. He is set to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders again in the 2024 season, bringing with him experience, skill, and a proven track record of success.
Shreyas Iyer IPL Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike-Rate | Highest Score | 50/100 | 4/6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 2776 | 31.55 | 125.38 | 96 | 19/0 | 237/99 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Shreyas Iyer
Q.1. When did Shreyas Iyer make his debut in international cricket?
Answer: Iyer made his debut in international cricket in a T20I match against New Zealand on November 1, 2017.
Q.2. What are some of Shreyas Iyer's notable records in cricket?
Answer: Iyer has several records including scoring a century on his Test debut against New Zealand, breaking the record for the most runs in a 3-match T20I bilateral series against Sri Lanka, and most runs by an Indian batter in an over in ODIs.
Q.3. Which IPL teams have Shreyas Iyer played for?
Answer: Shreyas Iyer has played for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Q.4. When did Shreyas Iyer make his IPL debut?
Answer: Shreyas Iyer made his IPL debut in 2015.
Q.5. Has Shreyas Iyer captained an IPL team?
Answer: Yes, Shreyas Iyer has captained the Delhi Capitals and is currently the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.
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