KKN Gurugram Desk |  Shreyas Iyer, the talented Indian cricketer known for his consistent performances in international cricket, put up an impressive display during the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Iyer smashed an unbeaten 97 runs off just 42 balls against Gujarat Titans (GT), leaving cricket fans and experts alike in awe of his incredible talent.

The stunning knock came as a part of Iyer’s much-anticipated IPL debut for PBKS, where he made an immediate impact with his fearless batting style. His innings not only helped his team, but also attracted the attention of former Indian captain and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly, who lauded Iyer’s all-around progress in his cricketing journey.

Sourav Ganguly’s Praise for Shreyas Iyer’s Recent Performance

Sourav Ganguly, a legend of Indian cricket, took to social media to praise Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable improvements as a batsman, especially over the past year. Ganguly, who has been closely following Iyer’s career, highlighted his growth and readiness to play across all formats of the game. He tweeted:

“Shreyas Iyer, the most improved batsman in the last year. Ready for all formats. Great to see his improvement after a few issues with length balls.” — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99), March 25, 2025.

Ganguly’s tweet emphasized how Iyer has worked on overcoming weaknesses in his batting technique, especially addressing his issues against length deliveries. Ganguly’s remarks suggest that Iyer has made considerable progress and is now well-equipped to make a mark in every format of the game — from T20s to Tests.

Shreyas Iyer’s IPL 2025 Debut: A Knock to Remember

Iyer’s explosive knock of 97 runs from 42 balls came at a crucial moment in IPL 2025. He displayed his remarkable ability to read the game and dominate the bowling attack, leaving Gujarat Titans’ bowlers struggling to contain his aggressive stroke play. This blistering innings is a testament to Iyer’s growing confidence and capability as a top-order batsman in the IPL.

Iyer’s fearless approach at the crease proved vital in unsettling the opposition’s strategy, particularly targeting the length deliveries that he previously struggled with. This performance served as a strong reminder of his talent and potential to contribute consistently in the T20 format, which is known for its high-pressure and fast-paced nature.

The Journey of Shreyas Iyer: From Domestic Cricket to International Stardom

Shreyas Iyer’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting with his stellar performances in domestic cricket, Iyer quickly made a name for himself with his mature batting technique and ability to play under pressure. His consistent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) helped him secure a spot in the national team, where he represented India in multiple formats with success.

His journey took a major leap during the 2017-2018 season when he made his debut for India in limited-overs cricket. Since then, Iyer has been a key figure for India, particularly in the shorter formats. Known for his elegant stroke play and composure at the crease, he has earned a reputation as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batsmen.

Iyer’s Record in T20 International Cricket

Shreyas Iyer has played 51 T20 Internationals for India, scoring a total of 1,104 runs in 47 innings. His average stands at 30.66, with eight half-centuries to his name. His strike rate of 136.12 demonstrates his ability to accelerate the game and turn the momentum in favor of his team. However, despite his solid performances, Iyer’s place in the Indian team has been subject to fluctuations due to team composition changes.

Iyer’s last T20I appearance was in December 2023 against Australia, where he played a crucial role with a half-century under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. However, with the return of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Iyer found himself on the sidelines. Despite winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Iyer was not brought back into the squad, which raised questions about his future in the shortest format.

Shreyas Iyer’s Test Career: Setbacks and Future Prospects

In Test cricket, Iyer’s career has been interrupted by unfortunate injuries. His most recent Test appearance was against England in February 2024, after which he suffered an injury. Following this, he missed out on domestic matches, which eventually led to his exclusion from the BCCI’s annual central contracts.

Although his domestic performances continued to be impressive, Iyer’s exclusion from the Test squad raised concerns. Despite his talent, the combination of injuries and competition for spots in India’s Test lineup left Iyer on the outside looking in. However, his consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL continue to keep his hopes alive for a potential recall to the national Test team.

Sourav Ganguly’s Vision for Iyer in All Formats

Sourav Ganguly’s recent praise of Shreyas Iyer also indicates that the former Indian captain sees Iyer as a crucial part of India’s future in all formats. Ganguly’s mention of Iyer being “ready for all formats” suggests that he believes Iyer has overcome his past struggles and is now equipped to perform at the highest level consistently.

With Iyer’s continued progress, it is expected that he will once again be considered for selection in the national team, especially with the 2024-2025 international cricket calendar bringing exciting opportunities. Ganguly’s endorsement of Iyer’s abilities also suggests that India might see Iyer’s inclusion in both the Test and T20I squads in the near future.

The Impact of Iyer’s IPL Form on His National Team Prospects

Iyer’s IPL performances have often acted as a springboard for his return to the national side. His ability to perform under pressure in the high-octane T20 league shows his growth as a player, which could benefit the Indian team in future tournaments, including the ICC events. A strong IPL season often translates into greater confidence and improved performances for international matches.

With the IPL 2025 season in full swing, Iyer’s form will undoubtedly be closely watched by selectors as India prepares for upcoming international tours and tournaments. If Iyer can maintain this level of performance, there’s every possibility of his return to India’s national team, where he can contribute as both a batsman and a leader.

Challenges Ahead for Shreyas Iyer: Overcoming Injuries and Team Selection

Despite his impressive record, Iyer faces several challenges on his path to regaining a spot in the national team. Injuries have been a recurring issue in his career, and the competition for places in India’s lineup is fierce. With players like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and others occupying key spots in the middle order, Iyer must continue to prove himself in the IPL and domestic cricket to be considered for national selection.

Furthermore, with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still playing a central role in India’s cricketing strategy, Iyer must wait for opportunities to prove his worth in the team. However, his determination and focus on improving his game over the last year have undoubtedly put him in a strong position to claim a spot in India’s future cricketing plans.

Shreyas Iyer’s recent performances, both in domestic cricket and the IPL, signal that he is a player in excellent form and capable of excelling across all formats of the game. With support from cricket legends like Sourav Ganguly, Iyer’s prospects for making a comeback to the Indian team in Test and T20 formats look promising.