Shreyas Iyer: The Overlooked Gem in India's T20 Setup

Shreyas Iyer

Apr 5, 2025 - 17:11

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Among the most fascinating stories in Indian cricket is Shreyas Iyer. Though he is a mainstay in the ODI team and a crucial cog in the middle order, he has been routinely passed over in India's T20I plans. At thirty, Iyer finds himself in an odd situation: highly ranked in ODIs but on the margins regarding T20Is.

Much like fans tracking every update through platforms like billy 777 login to stay in the loop, Iyer’s followers have closely watched his journey. He has repeatedly missed out on T20 World Cup choices in 2021 and 2022, even after being a major topic of debate in opposition meetings ahead of big events.

Though erratic, his T20I history shows a player who has developed greatly but hasn't fully established his position in the shortest format. Given the IPL as a main venue for T20 selection, Iyer's performances there might be the secret to resurrecting his international T20 career.

Early IPL Days: Starting with obvious weaknesses, this seems promising.

Rising on the IPL scene in 2015 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Shreyas Iyer won the Emerging Player trophy. He was first seen as a good spin player, but he battled against genuine pace, especially with regard to short-pitched deliveries.

Key Statistics (2015–2017):

Against spin: SR – 138 averaging – 81.66
Against pace: SR – 124, Average – 22.48
Against short balls, SR – 116 and average – 26.40

Iyer struggled, yet throughout this era, he was still a stronger boundary hitter than many seasoned stars such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. Though his weakness against pace hindered him from being a complete T20 hitter, his ability to dominate spin made him a great asset.

The Captaincy Phase (2018–2022): A Change of Approach

Iyer's batting style changed dramatically when he assumed captaincy of Delhi Capitals in 2018. He started to be more of an anchor, giving stability top priority above aggressiveness.

Important developments:

From 22.48 to 38.51, the average rather than the pace improved.
The strike rate stayed the same (~125).
Drop in boundary percentage from 18.40% to 16.25% against pace

His wary attitude against short balls was especially clear. As advised by his instructor, Pravin Amre, he chose to avoid rather than assault bouncers.

Coach Shreyas Pravin Amre said, "We determined he should use his height to blunt the ball instead of playing the high-risk pull shot. A bowler can only bowl one or two bouncers; should he survive those, he can profit from other deliveries.

This approach limited his scoring potential even while it lowered his dismissal rate. He is one of the lowest among top hitters, and his strike rate versus short balls stayed roughly 115.

Turning Point: IPL 2024 Onwards

Shreyas Iyer has attacked short-pitched bowling more aggressively since the beginning of IPL 2024. His approach has changed to include improved foot movement, a more side-on stance, and a readiness to attack the pull shot.

Important changes since IPL 2024:

79.00 (up from 42.41 in 2018-22) average vs short balls
SR against short balls: 162.88, rising from 114.89
Boundary % vs short balls: 23.71% (up from 13.99%)

He has gone even more aggressive in IPL 2025, hitting 51 runs off only 21 short balls against bowlers, including Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, and Kagiso Rabada.

ODI Boosts Also

His ODI stats against short balls have also seen a surge:

Pre-2024: Average: 31, SR: 104
After 2024: Average - 120, SR - 140

One such was his attack on Will O'Rourke in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he hit three boundaries in an over—two off-side pass.

Underrated Aspect: Dominating Spin Again

Although his performance against fast is clearly recorded, his comeback against spin has gone unreported.

Early Development (2015–2017): Wheel Dominance

Average over spin: 81.66, SR – 138.41
Struggles (2018–2022): A dip in form average against spin dropped to 31.55, SR – 122.76
Particularly poor against left-arm orthodox (Avg – 24.70, SR – 114), and leg-spin and left-arm conventional
dropped six times to googlies
Revival (since 2024: Back to His Best)
Average vs. spin: SR – 160.33; 194.00

Just one ejection against away spin

He now hits spinners straight down the ground using his reach and crease movement instead of depending on sweeps. One of the best examples was his attack on two of the top spinners in the league in Punjab's 2025 IPL debut.

Leadership and Prospects for Future

Shreyas Iyer's captaincy credentials are well-established; he turned Delhi Capitals into playoff contenders and now guides Punjab Kings with the same goal. Punjab hopes to snap their playoff skid since 2014 under Ricky Ponting's leadership.

Can He Crack India's T20I Team?

With so much quality in India's present T20I setup, even seasoned players find it challenging to get in. But a good IPL 2025 might make selectors rethink. Iyer makes a strong case as a middle-order anchor who is able to accelerate with his better game against pace and spin.

Last Words

The trip of Shreyas Iyer has been one of adaptation and rebirth. From being a spin specialist to conquering his short-ball problems, he has put a lot of effort into improving his game. Although he is still an ODI pillar, his T20I career has a need for rebirth.