Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer - (Source: AFP)
India’s newly appointed skipper Shreyas Iyer has finally arrived on the scene. The right-handed batter led by example against England in the first T20I as the 31-year-old slammed his first T20I fifty as India captain and shattered Virat Kohli's long-lasting record.
Shreyas Iyer was under a lot of pressure ahead of England T20Is because the PBKS captain had a poor Ireland series. The right-handed batter amassed just 13 runs in two innings, which brought him a lot of criticism.
Shreyas Iyer Brings Up 9th T20I Fifty
Shreyas Iyer walked to bat when India were 6/2. The India skipper took the onus on his shoulders and played a mature innings. The 31-year-old brought up his maiden T20I fifty as India captain in 38 balls.
Overall, Iyer slammed his 9th T20I fifty, his first in the last three years. The knock, which featured six fours and a solitary six, helped Shreyas Iyer regain his lost confidence. Also, the right-handed batter achieved a massive personal milestone in his career.
Shreyas Iyer Completes 5000 International Runs For India
Shreyas Iyer returned to the pavilion after scoring 68 (47) and also completed 5000 international runs for India. Before the match, Iyer required 37 runs to reach the illustrious 5k mark for the Men in Blue.
Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Breaks World Record; Leaves SKY Behind With 100 T20I Sixes For India
Notably, the India T20I captain became the 29th Indian to complete 5000 international runs. He has joined the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ajay Jadeja, who have more than 5000 runs but less than 6000. Shedding light on Shreyas’ India career, the right-handed batter took 147 innings for this feat.
In 147 innings, Iyer has amassed 5031 runs, averaging 39.61. It featured 6 centuries and 37 fifty-plus scores. Among the active cricketers, Iyer is the 9th leading run-getter for India.
Shreyas Iyer Goes Past Virat Kohli In Massive Feat
It is worth noting that before Shreyas Iyer's fifty, no India captain had slammed a T20I fifty in England. The PBKS captain became the first-ever Indian skipper to do so. Virat Kohli previously held the record for most runs by an India captain in a T20I vs England.
Virat scored 47 at Cardiff in 2018 and Iyer shattered the 8-year-old record at Riverside. With the 68-run knock, Shreyas Iyer also brought up his 3rd best innings in T20I career.
Highest Individual Scores for Shreyas Iyer in T20Is:
- 74* vs Sri Lanka, Dharamsala, 2022
- 73* vs Sri Lanka, Dharamsala, 2022
- 68 vs England, Chester-le-Street, 2026, Today*
- 67 vs England, Ahmedabad, 2021
- 64 vs West Indies, Lauderhill, 2022
Talking about the match, India have put 189/7 on the board, which is the 4th highest total for India against England in T20is in England. Notably, the start of the match has been delayed because of rain.
Also Read: Sanju Samson Hangs Head In Shame After England Star Pulls Off A Heroic Catch
