Shreyas Iyer stakes his claim with a ‘double-ton’:-Shreyas Santosh Iyer
• with a tally of 809 runs from 17 innings at an average of 50.56 with 153 runs as the highest score, supported by 2 centuries and 6 half-centuries in Ranji Trophy 2014-15
• with an aggregate of 1,321 runs from 18 innings at an average of 73.38 with 200 runs as his highest personal score, coupled with 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries and topping the ‘run-getters list’ in Ranji Trophy 2015-16
• with an accumulation of 725 runs from 18 innings at an average of 42.64 with 194 runs as his personal best, aided by 2 centuries and 2 half centuries has been clearly ‘knocking at the doors’ to gain entry into the national team.
A batsman can only showcase his talent by way of scoring tons and tons of runs in all the opportunities that come by his way and that Iyer has done with alacrity.
People talk of ‘preparedness’, ‘hunger’, ‘talent’, ‘consistency’ etc and all of these qualities are seen in this 22-year old Mumbaikar. It is just that the ‘men who matter’ in BCCI should ‘expand’ their vision, spot this talent and do justice.
If these performances were not enough, Iyer went on to register his 9th First Class century by notching up 100 runs in a two-day ‘tour game’, representing India A against the visiting Bangladesh, early this month.
Being offered one more opportunity to represent India A against the visiting Australians, in a ‘tour game’ – a two day game – played at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, a couple of days ago, Shreays, going into bat at the fall of one of the opener, Akhil Herwadkar (4), batted for 306 minutes, facing 210 deliveries and scored a well made an unbeaten 202* runs with 27 fours and 7 sixes.
He also bettered his personal FC highest score tally.
This Iyer achieved, facing the likes of Jackson Bird, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe and Glenn Maxwell, who are all reputed, effective and wicket-taking world class bowlers.
Iyer’s marathon innings helped India A notch up 403 runs in their first innings in reply to 469 runs scored by the Aussies. He accounted for a little more than 50% of his team’s score. The second best score of 75 runs came from the bat of Krishnappa Gowtham.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Iyer said, “I am a bit more relaxed, not thinking much about opposition, talking to myself rather than focussing on what goes on around me except field positions. The India A tour to Australia was an amazing experience.”
“I was just playing on merit of the ball. I have worked hard throughout the season and it has paid off well. It is a special innings against an international team. I really played nice strokes. I hardly got any chances while batting, usually I get life and all that. This was one of my best innings.”
Definitely these outstanding performances should attract the selectors’ attention and the nation could be seeing this youngster doing duty for India, sooner than later.