In only his second IPL match, against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Delhi, Iyer showcased his attacking prowess with a quickfire 40 off just 30 balls.
Shreyas Iyer, the Mumbai-born right-handed batsman, has carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket. But his journey began with a bang in the 2015 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). Let’s take a closer look at his first five innings in the tournament, showcasing the early signs of the talent that would blossom in the years to come.
Iyer’s IPL debut came on April 9th, 2015, against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai. He batted at number four, managing just 9 runs off 7 balls with a single boundary. While it wasn’t a flashy start, it provided a glimpse of his composure at the crease. Three days later, against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Delhi, Iyer showcased his attacking prowess with a quickfire 40 off just 30 balls. His knock included three boundaries and three sixes, striking at a healthy rate of 133.33. This innings displayed his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play big shots.
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The next match saw Iyer bat at number three again, this time against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Pune. However, his stay at the crease was short-lived, scoring only 6 runs off 5 balls with a single boundary before being dismissed caught out. Despite the dismissal, it’s important to note that he maintained a strike rate of 120.00, indicating his intent to keep the scoreboard ticking.
On April 18th, 2015, Iyer produced a match-defining knock against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Visakhapatnam. Opening the innings, he unleashed his power, scoring a magnificent 60 runs off 40 balls. His innings was laced with three boundaries and a staggering five sixes, showcasing his ability to clear the ropes with ease. This knock, played at a strike rate of 150.00, was instrumental in propelling Delhi to a strong total.
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Iyer’s final innings in his first five IPL matches came against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Delhi. Batting at number three once more, he scored a well-paced 31 runs off 24 balls. His knock included three boundaries and a six, striking at a decent rate of 129.16. While not as explosive as his previous innings, it showcased his ability to adapt to the situation and contribute steadily.
These initial five innings in the 2015 IPL were a promising start for Shreyas Iyer. He displayed a blend of composure, power hitting, and adaptability, qualities that would become hallmarks of his batting style. While he scored just one half-century in his first five outings, the intent and talent he showcased were evident. These initial performances paved the way for a successful IPL career, where he would go on to become a vital cog in the Delhi Capitals batting line-up and eventually captain the side.
It’s important to remember that this was just the beginning of Iyer’s IPL journey. He would go on to experience highs and lows, refine his skills, and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
