After Ajinkya Rahane's golden duck, Shreyas Iyer smacks 4 sixes, 18 fours in unbeaten 152 to make a statement ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Out-of-favour India batter Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 152 on Day 1 of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy 2024-25 clash against Odisha at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, Mumbai. Shreyas hit four sixes and 18 fours in his 152 off 164 balls as Mumbai posted 385/3 on the board before the end of Day 1's play.

Odisha captain Govinda Poddar won the toss and opted to bowl first. Young opener Ayush Mhatre fell early to Suryakumar Pradhan. He got out lbw for a 17-ball 18. Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Siddhes Lad shared a 135-run partnership for the second wicket. Raghuvanshi missed his century as he got bowled by Biplab Samantray.  The opener scored 92 runs from 124 balls including 13 fours and three sixes. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane could not make a mark either and got lbw for a golden duck to Samantray.

Shreyas walked in to bat in the 41st over with score reading 154/3. In the second session, Shreyas reached his half-century. After the tea break, Shreyas pushed the scoring rate while Lad played the anchor role. He reached his century from 101 balls. Interstingly, Shreyas's former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate Venkatesh Iyer reached his century from 101 balls as well. On the other end, Lad remained not out for 116 from 235 balls including 14 fours.

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Iyer in fine form

The 29-year-old batter has a chance to register his highest first-class score when the play resumes on Day 2. His career best in red-ball cricket is 202 not out. He has been in fine form of late. In the previous game, he ended his century drought in red-ball cricket with 142-run knock against Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Maharashtra. 

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Iyer has been absent from India's Test squad since the series against England earlier this year. He faced the snub for home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand followed by Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The team management has put their faith in Sarfaraz Khan and KL Rahul in the middle order.

Iyer set to get big bucks

Meanwhile, Iyer was not retained by KKR and he will be appear in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. He has set a base price of Rs 2 crore and expected to be on a few franchises' list who are looking for a captain.