"Punjab Kings would be super happy" - Fans erupt as Shreyas Iyer hits 51-ball century in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25
Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer shone with the bat in his team's opening encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 against Karnataka at the Narendra Modi Stadium Groud B in Ahmedabad on Saturday, December 21. The right-hander dazzled viewers with his strokeplay, notching up a stunning 51-ball century.
Iyer walked out to bat when Mumbai were 148/2 in 29.25 overs. The skipper helped his team further solidify their position with his fiery ton. He struck 10 sixes and five fours during his stay at the crease, remaining unbeaten on 114 off just 55 deliveries. The 30-year-old's batting exploits helped Mumbai register 382/4 in 50 overs.
Several fans took to social media to laud Iyer for his impressive knock. Here are some of the top reactions on X:
Many fans opined that Shreyas Iyer is the ideal candidate for the No. 4 spot in India's batting order for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
"Shreyas Iyer's form is important, he should play at number 4 in Champions trophy," wrote a fan.
"If he doesn't get selected in playing XI for CT25, It would be unfair to him. Best Player for India at 4," commented another.
"Shreyas iyer should be a lock in at 4 for champions trophy. He’s in scintillating form," chimed in yet another.
It is worth mentioning that Iyer has had a fantastic year. He was part of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy-winning squad earlier this year. He has been wonderful as a captain as well, leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai to title wins in IPL 2024 and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, respectively.
Iyer was in great demand at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The talented batter was roped in by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping ₹26.75 crore at the event.
Shreyas Iyer and Shivam Dube stitched together a blistering 148*-run partnership against Karnataka
Karnataka won the toss and chose to bowl first against Mumbai. They were off to an ideal start with the ball, sending back opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi early. Mumbai bounced back, courtesy of Hardik Tamore (84) and Ayush Mhatre (78).
Shreyas Iyer dominated the proceedings with his captain's knock. He decimated the Karnataka bowlers in the death other alongside Shivam Dube. The two upped the ante in the final 10 overs, forming an unbeaten 148-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Dube scored 63* off 36 balls, playing an important role in Mumbai posting a mammoth total. For Karnataka, Praveen Dubey claimed two wickets, while Shreyas Gopal and Vidyadhar Patil picked up one scalp each.