Manjrekar lauds Iyer's comeback, highlights importance of domestic cricket
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer and now commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar, has lauded Shreyas Iyer for his phenomenal return to international cricket.
He stressed the importance of domestic cricket in shaping a player's game.
"Shreyas Iyer, the way he played, I'm sure there is some connection with him playing those domestic matches," said Manjrekar on ESPNCricinfo.
Iyer made a remarkable return in the first ODI against England on Thursday, following a six-month absence from international cricket.
Match highlights
Iyer's stellar performance in comeback match
In his comeback, Iyer was sensational, scoring 59 runs off just 36 balls.
His explosive batting included nine fours and two sixes.
This effort not only rescued India from a shaky 19/2 start but also led to a crucial 94-run third-wicket partnership with Shubman Gill in just 64 balls.
Manjrekar lauded Iyer's technique and timing during this innings, stating, "The way he batted today, just the technique and the ball hitting that was happening, it was very very compact."
Expert opinion
Manjrekar credits domestic cricket for Iyer's form
Manjrekar credited Iyer's sublime form to his involvement in domestic cricket.
He said, "If domestic cricket has helped him to just get into the groove, then all the arguments that we are hearing about the big names not playing domestic cricket, here's an example."
He further lauded the batter while stating, "It was very very compact, and a very good innings like a well-oiled machinery."
Domestic performance
Iyer's impressive run in domestic cricket
Despite a slow start to the domestic season with just 154 runs from six innings in the Duleep Trophy, Iyer quickly regained form.
He scored 480 runs from seven innings in the Ranji Trophy, including two centuries.
His impressive performance continued in Mumbai's victorious campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 where he scored 345 runs from eight innings at an average of 49.28 and also captained them to victory in the final.
Continued success
Iyer's Vijay Hazare Trophy helps him dominate versus England
Iyer continued his good run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well, scoring 325 runs from five innings with two centuries.
Meanwhile, his domestic form was clearly visible in the first ODI against England where he looked extremely comfortable at the crease and took on the English bowling attack without any trouble.
This helped India clinch a four-wicket victory over England, and have taken a 1-0 lead in the series.
Team dynamics
Iyer's selection and future prospects
After his stellar innings, Iyer disclosed he wouldn't have made it to the playing XI had Virat Kohli not been injured.
This revelation has ignited a debate on how team management has been treating him.
Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting was also surprised at Iyer's absence from the Indian team over the years, despite his stellar show in World Cup 2023, where he scored 530 runs in 11 matches.
Stats
Iyer's impressive track record in ODIs
Iyer has been a consistent performer for India in ODIs, having scored 2,480 runs with five centuries at an average of 47.69.
As mentioned, he was also key to India's successful World Cup campaign in 2023, scoring 530 runs at an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24.
He also smashed five fifties and three tons in the tournament.
Maiden fifty
Iyer slams his maiden ODI fifty against England
Iyer raced to his 19th half-century in ODI cricket. The middle-order batter reached the landmark in the 1st ODI against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
Iyer made a statement after India lost both openers within 20 runs while chasing 249.
He added a 94-run partnership with Gill, who came in at number three.
Meanwhile, this was Iyer's 10th fifty in ODI cricket at home.
Notably, four of his five ODI tons have come in home conditions.