Shreyas Iyer had no idea his night would take a dramatic turn when he settled in for a movie on Wednesday. A call from India captain Rohit Sharma changed everything, informing him that he might have to step in for Virat Kohli, who had developed a sore knee. Without hesitation, Shreyas abandoned his plans, went straight to bed, and prepared for a potential comeback.
By the time the team arrived at the VCA Stadium for the first ODI against England, the confirmation came—Shreyas was in the playing XI. Seizing the unexpected opportunity, he played a match-winning knock of 59 off 36 balls, helping India chase down England’s 248 with a four-wicket win.
Walking in at No.4 with India struggling at 19 for 2, Shreyas formed a game-changing 94-run partnership with Shubman Gill. His intent was clear from the start, dispatching England pacer Mahmood for a boundary early on. In the seventh over, he took on Jofra Archer, smashing two consecutive sixes to set the tone for India’s counterattack.
His innings not only steadied India’s chase but also infused confidence into the dressing room. After the victory, Shreyas reflected on his unexpected inclusion.
“It has been outstanding. I wasn’t supposed to play the first game, as we all know. Virat unfortunately got injured, and I got the opportunity. But I kept myself prepared. I knew that at any point, I could get a chance to play,” Shreyas told the official broadcaster.
He also recalled a similar situation during the Asia Cup last year, where he missed out due to injury, allowing another player to step in and score a century. This time, he ensured he made the most of his chance.
Staying Focused Ahead of Champions Trophy
With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, expectations are high for Shreyas. However, the middle-order batter is keeping things simple. “I’m going to keep it low key and just cherish this moment,” he said.
Coming off a disappointing Ranji Trophy outing against Jammu and Kashmir, Shreyas was determined to prove himself in white-ball cricket. His composed and aggressive knock against England was a timely reminder of his value to the Indian team.
As India gears up for the remainder of the series, Shreyas’ performance not only strengthens his case for a permanent spot but also highlights his ability to deliver under pressure. With momentum on his side, he will be eager to build on this success and cement his place in India’s ODI setup.
