Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer reached a significant career milestone by scoring his first Ranji Trophy double hundred in nearly a decade, setting a career-best First-Class record. Iyer’s innings of 200-plus runs against Odisha at the Bandra Kurla Complex Ground in Mumbai on Thursday not only highlighted his form resurgence but also placed him back in contention for the Indian Test squad.
Comeback in form for Shreyas Iyer
For Iyer, the innings was a testament to his comeback journey, marking his second consecutive century in this Ranji season. His form has steadily picked up, with this double hundred following a century against Maharashtra in the previous round. The 29-year-old, who had not scored a First-Class hundred since his Test debut against New Zealand in 2021, faced a challenging period of injuries and surgeries before reestablishing his place as a reliable batsman.
“I am very keen for a comeback but (would try to) control the controllables,” Iyer said, speaking earlier this month to Indian Express. “My job is to keep performing and keep participating as much as possible and also see that my body is in the best shape.”
Iyer’s long wait to score a First-Class hundred ended after three years and 38 innings, and his impressive knock now renews hope for a Test comeback. After sitting out Mumbai’s third-round trip to Tripura due to a shoulder injury, Iyer’s return to the pitch has marked a resurgence for the seasoned player.
Breaking Records and Setting Milestones
Shreyas Iyer reached his double century in just 201 balls, displaying his aggressive and calculated style. His innings included 22 boundaries and eight towering sixes, underscoring his ability to dominate the field. This was his first double century since he made an unbeaten 202 against a visiting Australian team during the 2017-18 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The previous Ranji Trophy double hundred from Iyer came as far back as October 2015, during his second season. In this recent match, he brought up his hundred off just 101 balls on Day 1, showing his knack for building on his quick scoring rate. At stumps, he remained on 152 runs, playing with a sense of urgency, while his partner, Siddhesh Lad, took a more conservative approach to ensure stability. Lad’s 116 not out off 234 balls allowed Mumbai to seize control of the game.
Shreyas Iyer aiming for Test comeback
Shreyas Iyer’s career-best knock has strengthened his case for a Test recall. Previously included in the Indian squad for England’s visit earlier this year, Iyer had to opt out to recover fully after his back surgery. Now, with improved form and fitness, he is more determined to earn his place back in the Test team.
His performance is a reminder to BCCI of his role in the Indian cricket landscape, with his record-breaking innings giving Mumbai an edge in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season.
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