Shreyas Iyer’s 2024 journey has been full of ups and downs, starting with his exclusion from the Indian Test squad during the England series. A back injury sidelined him further, costing him a spot in the BCCI central contract list. Despite these setbacks, Iyer’s commitment to returning to his best was unwavering. Skipping the Ranji Trophy initially drew criticism, but his eventual return to domestic cricket paid dividends as he played a crucial role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy victory.
His road to redemption, however, wasn’t swift. Iyer’s return to the ODI squad during the Sri Lanka tour saw a dip in form, but his eyes remained fixed on reclaiming a spot in the Indian Test side. The desire to return stronger pushed him to participate in the pre-season Buchi Babu tournament and the Duleep Trophy. Though his scores were modest, his persistence in improving his game and fitness showed his determination to make a Test comeback.
A Statement Century: Iyer’s Comeback Message
Iyer’s first-class century against Maharashtra in the ongoing Ranji Trophy came as a significant milestone in his career. Scoring 142 off 190 balls, Iyer silenced critics who had doubted his ability to regain form after his injuries. This was his first first-class ton in three years, and it echoed the brilliance he showed on his Test debut against New Zealand back in 2021. Iyer called the century “special” and emphasized that his back was now fully recovered, sending a clear message to selectors about his readiness for a Test return.
In post-match interviews, Iyer admitted to struggling mentally and physically during his injury period, but emphasized that he was now fully focused on performing consistently. His message was clear: he’s ready to step up when called upon and contribute to India’s Test side once again. He has played six first-class matches over the last six weeks, demonstrating that his body can handle the rigorous demands of longer formats. Iyer’s commitment to maintaining peak physical shape, coupled with his renewed form, positions him as a strong candidate for India’s upcoming Test assignments.
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