Indian cricket’s rising star is Shreyas Iyer.
Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s most promising and stylish middle-order batsmen, has rapidly grown into a dependable player in Indian cricket. With his aggressive yet composed batting style, exceptional fielding, and leadership qualities, Iyer has established himself as a key figure in both domestic and international cricket. His journey from the maidans of Mumbai to wearing the prestigious Indian jersey is a story of talent, hard work, and determination.
Early Life and Background
On December 6, 1994, Shreyas Santosh Iyer was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He belongs to a Tamil-speaking family and was raised in the bustling suburb of Chembur. His early cricketing talent was recognized by coach Pravin Amre, a former Indian cricketer, who played a crucial role in shaping Iyer’s technique and mindset during his formative years.
Iyer did his schooling at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, and later graduated from Rāmniranjan Ānandilāl Podār College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. He was well-known from an early age for his fearless batting and bowling power. His performances in school and club cricket marked him as a player to watch out for.
Domestic Career
Shreyas Iyer’s domestic career began on a high note. He made his List A debut in 2014 for Mumbai and soon became one of the top run-scorers in domestic tournaments. Iyer accomplished an incredible accomplishment for a debutant in the 2014–15 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 809 runs in just 10 games at an average of over 50. With 1,321 runs in the next season (2015–16), he topped the Ranji run statistics and helped Mumbai win the championship.
His consistent performance in first-class cricket quickly caught the attention of IPL scouts and selectors. Iyer became known for his ability to anchor an innings as well as accelerate when needed — qualities essential for a modern-day batsman.
IPL Career
Shreyas Iyer was signed by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2015 IPL season for a whopping INR 2.6 crores, making him the highest-earning uncapped player that year. He justified the investment by scoring 439 runs in his debut season and was awarded the Emerging Player of the Year.
His IPL career saw further growth when he was named the captain of Delhi Capitals in 2018, mid-season, replacing Gautam Gambhir. The Delhi Capitals saw a comeback under his direction. In IPL 2019, he led the team to the playoffs for the first time in seven years. The next year, in IPL 2020, he captained Delhi to their first-ever IPL final, where they finished runners-up to the Mumbai Indians. Iyer’s leadership and mature batting earned him widespread praise, and he became recognized not just as a player but also as a capable leader.
International Career
Shreyas Iyer made his T20 International debut for India on November 1, 2017, against New Zealand. On December 10, 2017, he played his first One Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka. He impressed with his stroke-making abilities and calm demeanor under pressure.
Iyer’s breakthrough in international cricket came in 2019 when he started performing consistently in the middle order, especially in the ODIs. With India struggling to find a stable No. 4 batsman after the 2019 World Cup, Iyer filled the void effectively. His innings of 103 against New Zealand in 2020 cemented his place in the team.
He has shown great temperament in pressure situations and has often been the pillar of India’s middle order, alongside players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
Batting Style and Strengths
Shreyas Iyer is a right-handed batsman known for his flair and stylish stroke play. He is particularly strong against spin bowling and is capable of playing both anchor and finisher roles. He is a great asset in both ODIs and T20Is because of his ability to switch up his attack and spot openings.
Apart from his batting, Iyer is an agile and sharp fielder. Whether positioned at cover or long-off, he saves crucial runs and is known for his rocket throws and athleticism on the field.
Injuries and Comebacks
Like many athletes, Iyer has faced setbacks due to injuries. In early 2021, he suffered a shoulder injury during an ODI series against England, which required surgery and kept him out of action for several months. He missed the first half of IPL 2021 but made a strong return in the second leg.
In 2023 and 2024, he again faced injury concerns, including a back issue. However, his resilience and commitment saw him return to form and rejoin the Indian squad for key tournaments and bilateral series. His performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home, where he played several crucial knocks, highlighted his importance to the team.
Achievements and Records
- only managed to score a century in his second ODI series.
- led the Delhi Capitals to their first IPL championship in 2020
- Became one of the fastest Indian batsmen to reach 1,000 ODI runs.
- Holds the record for multiple 50+ scores in T20Is for India as a middle-order batsman
Off the Field
Off the field, Shreyas Iyer is known for his charismatic personality and love for fashion, travel, and photography. He is also an active social media user and shares glimpses of his training sessions, travels, and lifestyle with fans.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer represents the modern Indian cricketer — stylish, confident, and committed. From his domestic exploits to IPL heroics and international brilliance, Iyer has steadily climbed the ladder of success. As India continues to groom talent for future global tournaments, Shreyas Iyer stands as a vital cog in the middle order. With age on his side and the hunger to perform, he is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.
