"Hold your head high Iyer sir!" - Fans erupt after Shreyas Iyer's "special" knock in Bengaluru
Just as questions were beginning to be raised about his place in the team after a few quiet knocks, Shreyas Iyer has proved why he deserves a place in the Indian Test set-up. The 27-year-old played a fantastic knock of 92 on a rank turner in Bengaluru to help India post a competitive total of 252 in their first innings.
On a pitch that was turning square right from the get-go, Shreyas Iyer showed tremendous application and took the attack to the Sri Lankan spinners, not letting them settle into a rhythm.
Fans on Twitter hailed Iyer for his outstanding knock as they understood how tough it was to bat on the difficult Bengaluru wicket. Here are some of their reactions:
There is a reason why I keep saying that Shreyas Iyer is India's most destructive traditional spin hitter.
What a knock from Shreyas Iyer - 92 (98). Missed out on a very well deserving hundred. An innings to remember on a pitch where others struggled. A mighty knock by Iyer. https://t.co/IfpHX77qQo
Well played, Shreyas Iyer - one of the finest knock in a turning pitch - India was 86 for 4 and then he scored 92 runs from 98 balls including 10 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 93.88. https://t.co/cROpK2U8mU
Shreyas Iyer is giving enough reasons to the @BCCI that its not Pant or Bumrah, it has to be him as leader batsman after Kohli and Rohit departs from the game. As clear and as simple as that! #INDvsSL #PinkBallTest
Shreyas Iyer has earned every single drag down half tracker from the Lankan spinners. He’s made it possible by being so destructive of anything that’s a little full. What a special knock this.
Hold your head high Iyer sir, that is as good as they come. You can be mighty proud, masterclass.
What an innings, deserves all the applause he’s getting around the country! Well played Shreyas Iyer, hard luck on missing out on the 100. What a champion! #INDvSL #CricketTwitter
That's it..
some 90s worth more than hundreds.💙💜 That's it..
#Pant #Iyer #SLvsIND https://t.co/zvicKfspzl
4 glorious knocks today by indian batters to pull their team out during pressure. Shreyas Iyer, Smriti, Harman & Mithali.
Shreyas Iyer is couple of good knocks away in Overseas Test to be the next Test captain of India.
Shreyas Iyer grabbing every opportunity he gets... Establishing himself as an all-format batsman at least in Indian conditions as of now .
Shreyas Iyer may have few shortcomings, one thing he doesn't lack is temperament...Thats one hallmark one needs to sustain more than talent!
Shreyas Iyer powers India to a strong total
Skipper Rohit Sharma had no hesitation in batting first on what looked like a very dry pitch in Bengaluru. India didn't get off to a good start as they lost both their openers early.
However, Hanuma Vihari then got together with former captain Virat Kohli and the duo put on a good partnership to steady the Indian ship. The honors were shared by both teams in the first session, as India scored 93 runs but the visitors managed to pick up four wickets.
After the tea break, Rishabh Pant continued to counter-attack the opposition spinners while Shreyas Iyer was happy to play second fiddle. Once Pant was dismissed, it looked like the visitors would bowl India out inside 200.
However, Shreyas Iyer batted really well with the tail and took calculated risks. In the end, he put the team's interest first and was stumped, trying to go for a big shot over mid-wicket.
Although he couldn't make it to his second Test hundred, Iyer will rate this innings very highly given the pitch conditions. Sri Lanka will need to bat exceptionally well to avoid conceding a sizeable first-innings lead.