After managing just nine runs in the first innings on Day 1, India D captain Shreyas Iyer bounced back in style in the Duleep Trophy match against India C in Anantapur. The right-handed batter scored 54 runs off 44 balls, hitting one six and nine boundaries on Day 2 (Friday, September 6).
With the knock, Iyer returned to form after managing a string of low scores in the recently concluded ODI series in Sri Lanka, returning with figures of 23, 7, and 8 runs in three outings. He will now look to consolidate after his half-century ahead of the Test season. Notably, India will play two Tests against Bangladesh followed by three Tests against New Zealand (both at home) and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in a packed calendar year.
Iyer has been in and out of the Test side due to injuries since the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Earlier this year, he played the first two Tests against England before getting dropped for the last three games.
The Mumbai batter has 811 runs in 14 Tests with the help of one ton and five half-centuries.
Fans on X lauded Iyer for his counter-attacking knock in the Duleep Trophy. One user wrote:
"WELL PLAYED, SHREYAS IYER...!!! - 54 runs from just 44 balls, team losing 2 quick wickets, Iyer played a counter attacking innings. A great confidence boost ahead of the big season."
Another user wrote:
"King Shreyas Iyer scored a half century in just 39 balls. Haters where are you, we are back."
A third user wrote:
"Terrific Counter attacking Knock From Captain Iyer."
Here are a few more reactions:
Shreyas Iyer’s fifty steady India D against India C in Duleep Trophy match
Shreyas Iyer’s half-century helped India D recover from early losses against losing openers Atharva Taide and Yash Dubey early.
At the time of writing, India D were 93-3 in their second innings, with Devdutt Padikkal and Ricky Bhui at the crease. They have stretched their second innings lead to 89 runs.
Follow the Duleep Trophy live score and updates here.
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