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November 25, 2021, this date is going to be of great significance for Shreyas Iyer's family as he made his Test debut at Green Park, Kanpur against New Zealand. Iyer got off to a brilliant start with an unbeaten 74 on Day 1 of the first Test that helped Indian from three wickets in the second session. After Iyer was handed his debut cap by legendary Sunil Gavaskar, the Mumbai batter's father Santosh revealed a heartwarming story behind not changing his WhatsApp display picture (DP) for the past four years. Earlier, the senior Iyer had kept the profile photo of his son Shreyas carrying the trophy after India defeated Australia 2-1 in the home series in 2017.
“I have had this DP since then (2017). I have never changed it because I always wanted to remind him (Shreyas) that this (playing Test cricket for India) should be his ultimate goal. I am thrilled it’s finally happening,” Santosh told mid-day while expressing delight at his son's debut.
“Test cricket is the real cricket. I always wanted him to play Tests. Today, that dream will come true. My wife and I are absolutely delighted,” Shreyas’ father added.
Furthermore, Santosh believes that in the absence of India's big guns, the two-match Test series against New Zealand at home is a wonderful opportunity for his son to make a major statement.
“We always wanted him to play Test cricket. I have been telling Shreyas to try for a Test spot. He always used to say that it will happen. So, that’s what has happened now. Honestly, we were not expecting it to happen against New Zealand. I will be on my toes, certainly. We expect him to perform well. It is a big opportunity since other stalwarts are not in the team,” Santosh concluded.
Iyer will have a chance to become 11th Indian batsman to score a Test century on debut.
