Shreyas Iyer (PTI Photo)
Iyer had crossed the 50-run mark only twice since taking over as India’s T20I captain in June, but he produced a stunning response in the opening match of the five-game series against the West Indies in Lucknow on Tuesday. Iyer took complete control of India’s chase, reaching his half-century in 28 balls before shifting gears dramatically. He scored the next 52 runs from just 15 deliveries to complete his maiden T20I hundred in spectacular fashion.
NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer ‘s maiden T20I century came at a crucial juncture in his captaincy, and the sublime knock has silenced questions over his batting form, according to India great Sunil Gavaskar. He looked unstoppable, and no matter what lines and lengths the West Indian bowlers bowled, Iyer had an answer to everything,” Gavaskar said on JioStar. Gavaskar said the century was particularly significant given Iyer’s recent struggles with the bat since taking over the captaincy. In recent times, the wins have come, but his own form with the bat was a concern,” he said.
“It was a sublime knock from Shreyas Iyer. “Shreyas Iyer has had a bit of a torrid time with the bat since becoming the captain of this Indian T20I squad. “So, it was important for him to play a big knock, and he delivered in this first T20I.
If we continue with the same mindset we will be one of the most destructive teams in T20,” Iyer said. “Winning tastes different. If it is your day, win the match for the team. Overall it was a comprehensive performance.