In a recent statement that has garnered significant attention, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly praised Shreyas Iyer for his remarkable improvement over the past year, declaring him ready to compete in all formats of international cricket.
This endorsement comes on the heels of Iyer’s outstanding performance in the IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT), where he scored an impressive unbeaten 97 runs off just 42 balls.
Match Highlights
In the match held on March 25, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Iyer’s explosive innings included five fours and nine sixes, leading PBKS to a formidable total of 243 runs.
Despite a valiant effort from the Titans, who managed to score 232 runs, PBKS secured an 11-run victory. Iyer’s performance not only showcased his batting prowess but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Sourav Ganguly’s Praise
Taking to social media, Ganguly expressed his admiration for Iyer’s growth as a player. He stated, “Shreyas Iyer is the most improved batsman in the last year… ready for all formats. Great to see his improvement after a few issues on length.”
This comment reflects Ganguly’s belief that Iyer has addressed previous challenges in his game, particularly his struggles with length deliveries.
Iyer has been a key player for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and recently emerged as the top run-scorer during India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign.
His consistent performances have solidified his position within the team, although he has faced challenges in maintaining his spot in Test and T20 formats.
A Newfound Confidence
Iyer’s confidence is palpable as he continues to evolve as a player. Following his near-century against GT, he expressed optimism about achieving a hundred in the next match.
His partnership with Shashank Singh, who contributed an explosive 44 runs off just 16 balls, was pivotal in setting a challenging target for the Titans.
Veteran cricketer Kane Williamson also commended Iyer’s adaptability, noting how he has adjusted his technique to counter bowlers targeting him with short balls.
Williamson remarked on Iyer’s ability to dominate various deliveries and access all areas of the ground, emphasizing that his recent performances are of “the highest standard.”
