Shreyas Iyer is having a dream year and there are still a couple of months left to go. The 27-year-old brought up his second ODI century, on Sunday, in Ranchi as he helped India chase down a steep target of 279 on a two-paced surface against South Africa.
Iyer was involved in a big partnership of 161 (155) with Ishan Kishan, who fell 7 runs short of what would have been his maiden ODI ton, and then 73* (69) with Sanju Samson to take India home, and level the series. The third and deciding ODI will be played on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Chasing a challenging total, India lost both their openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill, inside 9 overs. But from thereon, Kishan and Shreyas Iyer took the command. Not only did the pair bail India out of trouble, but they did with regular boundaries, turning the pressure back on the Protea bowlers.
While Kishan was disdainful, mauling the bowlers to boundaries, Shreyas held back and played the anchor role. Kishan missed his century by only 7 runs, but Iyer ensured he brought up his second ODI century, his first one was in February 2020 in New Zealand. Sanju Samson came in and smashed quick-fire 30 runs to complete the chase along with Iyer.
In his knock of 113* off 111 balls, Iyer also looked rather comfortable while facing the likes of Nortje and Rabada, which the fans noted and praised knowing that Iyer is weak when facing high pace.
This year, Iyer has been phenomenal in ODIs: in 2022, Shreyas Iyer has scored 458 runs at an average of 57 in 9 innings with 1 century and 4 fifties.
Here’s how fans on Twitter hailed Shreyas Iyer for his match-winning knock in Ranchi:
Shreyas Iyer in the last 6 innings in ODI format:
113*(111)
50 (38)
44 (34)
63 (71)
54 (57)
80 (111) pic.twitter.com/ZYuGQoSIg8— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 9, 2022
The happiness on Shreyas Iyer’s face – indeed an amazing knock! pic.twitter.com/erTlOSd7fz
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2022
High quality knock from Shreyas Iyer given the short ball challenges he has battled👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 9, 2022
A knock to remember, against a bowling unit of Rabada, Nortje, Maharaj, chasing 279 runs with series on line, India we’re 48 for 2 in the 9th over then Shreyas Iyer smashed 113* runs from 111 balls.
Take a bow, Shreyas. pic.twitter.com/aQpn1S9Wyy
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 9, 2022
Shreyas Iyer – One gritty cricketer.
Just comes across as someone who doesn’t give up.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) October 9, 2022
That was a terrific partnership between Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 9, 2022
All of us watching Iyer bhai bat today! 🤌
📸: BCCI | @ShreyasIyer15 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/iW4yw8o9Fx
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 9, 2022
Shreyas Iyer in ODIs
1271 runs
ave 47.07
SR 98Only AB de Villiers beats him in ALL THREE parameters. https://t.co/tzXu664Ncc
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) October 9, 2022
Shreyas Iyer in the last 6 ODIs:
80 (111) Vs West Indies.
54 (57) Vs West Indies.
63 (71) Vs West Indies.
44 (34) Vs West Indies.
50 (37) Vs South Africa.
113* (111) Vs South Africa.– 4 fifties and a century, just amazing by Iyer! pic.twitter.com/Ee88PbjNz1
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2022
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Shreyas Iyer is only the 2nd Indian batter after Virat Kohli to score multiple 100s at number 4 in ODIs in the last 10 years.
Also, this is the first time since 2011 that multiple individual 100s have been scored by Indian number 4 batters in ODIs (6 were scored in 2011).
— Naman Agarwal (@CoverDrivenFor4) October 9, 2022
Brilliant come back by team india. Top top batting from Shreyas Iyer. Match winning 💯 👏 #INDvSA
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 9, 2022
How Ishan and Iyer treating SA bowlers tonight pic.twitter.com/r1KiSgWU69
— Sudhanshu’ (@whoshud) October 9, 2022
Both the knocks of Shreyas Iyer in this series has been very entertaining and timely.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 9, 2022
Superb knock Shreyas Iyer 😍 tough situation, questions on technique especially against short delivery but you handled it well 👏. Well done. pic.twitter.com/Ot05c9jCr5
— Vibhor Shrivastava Entertainment (@VibhorVse20) October 9, 2022
In 2023, Shreyas Iyer could be either VC or Captain in one format, and playing two formats consistently.
That will make it easier for him to break into the T20 side.
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) October 9, 2022
Shreyas Iyer for 2023 World Cup at home!!..He’s been terrific in home T20Is and ODIs this year..#INDvsSA
— Jatin Khandelwal (@jr_khandelwal) October 9, 2022
Speaking about his knock, Iyer said: “When I went into bat, felt that the wicket was playing good. The talk between me and Ishan was to play the ball on merit, build a partnership. Tomorrow is going to be a travel day, and then the match. Let’s see what is in store for me (regarding his fitness for next game). I’m not someone who changes according to the bowler. I am someone who changes on instinct and believing in myself.”
