Shreyas Iyer, once sidelined but now soaring, continues to dazzle on the cricket field, earning high praise and showcasing his transformation as a batsman. His recent performance in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) has left fans and experts alike in awe of his prowess and adaptability.
In a thrilling match on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, Iyer, captaining Punjab Kings, delivered a match-winning 97 not out off just 42 balls against Gujarat Titans. His innings included a staggering 9 sixes and 5 fours, elevating Punjab to a challenging total of 243/5. Despite a brave effort by the Titans who scored 232/5, Punjab secured the victory by 11 runs.
Iyer’s sensational form follows a brief exclusion from the BCCI’s central contract list for the 2023-24 season. Unfazed, he returned with a renewed vigor and a clear intent to dominate. His performance in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, where he topped India’s run-scoring charts, has seamlessly transitioned into the IPL, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable player across formats.
The cricket community has taken notice, including former BCCI president and India captain Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly took to social media platform X to laud Iyer, stating, ‘Shreyas Iyer, the most improved batsman in last 1 yr .. ready for all formats. Great to see his improvement after a few issues on length.’ Ganguly’s comments underscore Iyer’s improved technique against short-pitched deliveries, a previous point of vulnerability.
Iyer’s domestic performances have been equally impressive. In the Ranji Trophy, he amassed 480 runs for Mumbai in five matches at an average of 68.57. Transitioning to limited-overs cricket, he scored 345 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 325 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his versatility and skill across different conditions and formats.
Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson also heaped praise on Iyer’s match-winning knock. Speaking on JioStar, Williamson remarked, ‘What stands out about Shreyas is how he continues to evolve his game. For a period, teams targeted him with short balls, but now, he’s adjusting brilliantly — getting deeper in his crease, de-weighting his front leg, and dominating the short-pitched deliveries.’
Williamson further elaborated on Iyer’s adaptability, ‘What is most impressive is his ability to shift his weight forward again, making it difficult for bowlers who try the ‘one-two’ approach — going short, then full. He’s now able to access all areas of the ground, which makes him such a formidable batter.’
The former New Zealand captain ranked Iyer’s innings against Gujarat Titans as one of the ‘highest standard’ and ‘out of this world’. Williamson highlighted the precision and power of Iyer’s shot-making, particularly his ability to hit sixes over cover against world-class seamers and his bravery in taking on Rashid Khan, one of the toughest bowlers in the game.
Shreyas Iyer’s journey from being dropped to leading by example in the IPL is a testament to his resilience and growth as a cricketer. His performances continue to make headlines, and his impact on the game is undeniable. The cricketing world eagerly anticipates what more Iyer will bring to the crease in the seasons to come.