Shreyas Iyer reveals unexpected call-up for first ODI against England
What's the story
In a surprising turn of events, Shreyas Iyer revealed that he wasn't initially picked to play in India's first One Day International (ODI) against England in Nagpur.
However, the decision changed owing to Virat Kohli's last-minute knee injury.
Notably, Iyer scored a significant 59 runs off just 36 balls, contributing to India's victory by four wickets.
Here's more.
Call details
Iyer's late-night call from Rohit Sharma
Iyer revealed he was having a movie night when he got a call from team captain Rohit Sharma, telling him Kohli won't be playing.
"I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee," said Iyer in a chat with Star Sports post-match.
He returned to his room and slept, preparing for the game.
Career highlights
Iyer's impressive track record and future prospects
Iyer has been a consistent performer for India in ODIs, having scored 2,480 runs with five centuries at an average of 47.69.
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.
His revelation about not being initially selected for the first ODI against England surprised commentator Parthiv Patel, who had assumed that Yashasvi Jaiswal was Kohli's replacement.
Match impact
Iyer's crucial partnership and future aspirations
Iyer walked in when India was reeling at 19/2, chasing England's target of 248. He then stitched an important 94-run partnership with Shubman Gill for the third wicket.
Despite a dismal Ranji Trophy outing against Jammu and Kashmir, Iyer is still eyeing to shine in white-ball cricket.
With the Champions Trophy around the corner, expectations are high but he wants to "keep it low key and just cherish this moment."
Fifty
Shreyas Iyer slams his maiden ODI fifty against England
Iyer raced to his 19th half-century in ODI cricket.
After India lost their openers early on, Iyer denied England another breakthrough as they tested him with fierce bouncers.
He smacked two successive maximums off Jofra Archer. Iyer dominated England with his meticulous footwork thereafter.
He smashed a counter-attacking 36-ball 59 (9 fours and 2 sixes) before falling to Jacob Bethell.
Iyer slammed his maiden ODI fifty against England.