Shreyas Iyer, the talented middle-order batsman, once again found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons during the recent Duleep Trophy 2024-25. As captain of the India D team, Iyer faced immense pressure to perform, yet his efforts fell short as he struggled to make a significant impact in the crucial matches held in Anantapur.
Shreyas Iyer’s Struggles Continue
In the ongoing tournament, Shreyas Iyer failed to leave a lasting impression. Despite having had multiple opportunities, he could not capitalize on them. In the recent match against India B, Iyer’s batting performances were underwhelming. He was unable to open his account in the first innings, facing just 5 balls without scoring. However, his second innings saw a glimmer of hope as he scored a brisk 50 runs off just 40 balls, hitting 7 fours and 1 six. This impressive start came after his team suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three wickets for just 18 runs.
A Dismal Performance in the Duleep Trophy
Throughout the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, Iyer had the opportunity to bat a total of six times as he participated in all three rounds of the tournament. Unfortunately for him, he could not notch up a single century, ending up with a total of just 154 runs at a disappointing average of 25.66. This tally included two half-centuries, but it also featured two instances where he was dismissed without scoring, raising concerns about his current form and fitness.
The ongoing series has placed Iyer’s potential return to the Indian Test team in jeopardy. His inability to convert starts into substantial scores is a significant concern for selectors who are on the lookout for players who can deliver consistently at the international level. The stakes are high as Iyer is competing with a pool of talented batsmen who are eager to secure their place in the national squad.
Match Recap: India D vs India B
In the larger context of the match, India D batted first and put up a commendable score of 349 runs in their first innings. In response, India B managed to score 282 runs before being bowled out. Washington Sundar was the standout performer for India B, contributing a solid 87 runs in 140 deliveries, just missing out on a century.
Currently, India D has established a firm grip on the match with a score of 200 runs at the loss of 5 wickets in their second innings. The team looks poised to build on their lead and secure victory, but Iyer’s performance remains a focal point for fans and critics alike.
