Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024-winning captain Shreyas Iyer announced his arrival at Punjab Kings (PBKS) with a scintillating 42-ball 97 not out against Gujarat Titans (GT). Iyer was oozing confidence as he took down GT bowling lineup from the first ball he faced. GT had three prominent pacers in Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna. The bounce generated by Rabada and Krishna at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, did not trouble Iyer. New Zealand's Kane Williamson who is commentating in the ongoing season noted the changes Iyer has made and how it has made him a 'formidable batter'.
“What stands out about Shreyas is how he continues to evolve his game,” said Williamson on JioStar.
“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.
“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,” Williamson added.
Iyer's knock was studded with five fours and nine sixes. This is the third-highest score by a batter on IPL captaincy debut. Williamson lauded Iyer for hitting big shots outside off stump and taking down star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
“Anything outside off stump, he looked to access the offside, and he even struck sixes over cover against some of the best seamers in the world. Then, to take on Rashid Khan as well — that’s one of the toughest challenges in the game.
"As a leader, to step in at No 3, set the tone, and take on the opposition’s biggest threats was remarkable. That innings was truly out of this world,” Williamson further added.
Williamson on Shashank's cameo
Iyer could not complete his century as Shashank Singh proved that he's not another one-season wonder. He got the license from Iyer to hit big and not worry about his captain's century. Williamson was impressed with the quality of shots Shashank played in his unbeaten 16-ball 44 which helped GT post 243/5, the highest score at the venue.
"Shashank is coming off an outstanding breakout season last year. He’s incredibly still at the crease, has beautiful hands, and doesn’t move excessively, yet he possesses so many scoring options,” the New Zealand batter said.
“He has the time to adjust to short-pitched deliveries — whether ramping it over the keeper or pulling off a length — but he can also hold his position and play powerful straight drives.
“The way he comes in during the death overs, with little time to settle, and takes on bowlers with confidence is exceptional. Whether it's Rashid Khan missing his length slightly and Shashank slapping it back over square — that’s an incredibly difficult shot against someone of Rashid’s calibre. It just speaks to the quality of the player,” the 34-year-old added.
Iyer-led PBKS started their campaign with a 11-run win over hosts GT despite half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.