Top 5 Innings of Shreyas Iyer in IPL
Iyer will lead KKR in IPL 2024 (IPL)
Over the years, Shreyas Iyer has established himself as a player unafraid to express himself with the bat. Even in challenging situations, Iyer consistently exerts pressure on the opposition through his aggressive stroke play.
In the recent 2023 World Cup, Iyer showed his class by amassing 530 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 66.25 and a striking strike rate of 113.24. As the sole Indian middle-order batter scoring at a brisk pace, he played a pivotal role in enabling the Men in Blue to post substantial totals in the latter stages of the tournament.
Iyer's proactive approach at the crease has been evident across formats, earning him recognition through his standout performances in the IPL. While his overall IPL strike rate may not be overwhelming, he has diligently worked on refining his game over the past few years.
KKR secured Iyer's services at the 2022 mega auction, recognizing his batting prowess and leadership abilities. Having previously led the Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2020 final, Iyer was entrusted with captaining the Knight Riders in the 2022 season. Despite the team's seventh-place finish with 12 points, Iyer's leadership qualities were acknowledged. Although he missed the 2023 IPL, it has been confirmed that he will resume his captaincy role for KKR in the upcoming season, with Nitish Rana serving as his deputy.
Beyond his counter-attacking style and consistent six-hitting ability, Iyer possesses a solid defense and can adeptly play the anchor role when needed. In an era marked by fearless batters, Iyer stands out for his ability to balance aggression with patience, making him less susceptible to cheap dismissals.
Iyer's impact in the IPL has been significant since his debut season for Delhi. In his first appearance, he played 14 matches, scoring 439 runs at an average of 33.76. His breakthrough season in 2018 saw him amass 411 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.36 and a strike rate of 132, earning him the captaincy midway through the season.
On that note, let's revisit the top five batting performances that highlight Iyer's brilliance in the IPL.
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96 (57) vs GL in IPL 2017
Iyer registered his best score against Gujarat Lions. (AP)
Chasing a daunting target of 196 runs, Delhi were reeling at 15/2 before Iyer entered the crease at No.4. Iyer played a stabilizing innings, timing his shots well. His half-century came off 33 balls, maintaining a steady pace despite the early setbacks. As wickets continued to fall around him, Iyer shifted gears and launched a ruthless assault, adding the next 46 runs to his total in just 24 balls. His impressive knock of 96 runs featured 15 boundaries and 2 sixes, showcasing a strike rate of 168.42.
The hallmark of his innings was that Iyer expertly found the gaps, capitalized on loose deliveries, and propelled Delhi's chase forward in a clinical fashion, marking his highest score in the IPL. Despite not being able to bat till the end to steer his team to victory, Amit Mishra ensured that Iyer's outstanding efforts did not go unrewarded. Iyer was rightfully named the player of the match for his enterprising innings.
93* (40) vs KKR in IPL 2018
Iyer starred in his first innings as captain. (AP)
In the IPL 2018 season, Iyer assumed the role of captain for the Delhi franchise. Demonstrating bold and effective leadership, Iyer made an immediate impact. Utilizing the compact boundaries at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to his advantage, he played a blistering innings, amassing 93 runs from a mere 40 deliveries. His explosive knock, adorned with three boundaries and an impressive ten sixes, played a pivotal role in guiding Delhi to a formidable total of 219 runs.
88* (38) vs KKR in IPL 2020
Shreyas Iyer was at his brutal best in Sharjah. (AP)
Considered by many as Shreyas Iyer's most exceptional IPL innings, the Delhi captain dazzled at the Sharjah Stadium with a brilliant knock of 88 off only 38 balls. Iyer's outstanding batting contribution played a significant role in Delhi posting a formidable total of 228 runs. The Delhi Capitals emerged victorious in the match, securing an 18-run win.
83 (56) vs MI in IPL 2015
Young Iyer outclassed MI bowlers. (AP)
Silencing his critics who questioned him in the 20-over format, Iyer showcased his skills with a remarkable innings, scoring 83 runs off 56 balls in this encounter. Opening the innings, Iyer effectively negated the formidable pace attack of Mumbai, which featured renowned bowlers such as Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. Fueled by Iyer’s stellar performance, Delhi set a challenging total of 190 runs and ultimately triumphed over the star-studded Mumbai Indians lineup.
58* (49) vs PBKS in IPL 2019
Iyer played a captain's innings. (AP)
In the 2019 IPL, Iyer delivered a captain's innings. Facing a challenging target of 164 runs, Delhi encountered frequent setbacks as wickets fell consistently. However, Iyer displayed remarkable composure, showcasing nerves of steel as he skillfully guided his team to victory with a mature innings of 58 runs off 49 balls.
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