‘If it’s your day, make sure that you win the match for the team’ – Iyer after maiden T20I century trumps West Indies

Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden T20I century to guide India to a commanding win over West Indies in Lucknow, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. India chased down a target of 172 with eight wickets and 32 balls to spare, despite losing both openers inside 3.3 overs.

Iyer’s unbeaten knock and an unbroken 137-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, who finished on 37 not out, ensured that the early setbacks caused India no real trouble. Abhishek Sharma fell to Roston Chase after scoring 21 off ten balls, and Sanju Samson followed for 11 off nine, leaving India at 35 for 2. From that point, Iyer and Kishan took control and did not allow West Indies back into the contest.

“Winning definitely tastes different. And that’s what we keep talking about in the dressing room. If it’s your day, make sure that you win the match for the team. And today it was me. In the previous couple of games, there were other batsmen who finished off the game. Overall, I feel it was a comprehensive performance. And I think if we continue with the same mindset, we will be one of the most destructive teams in T20s,” Iyer said, speaking to the broadcasters after the match.

How did Iyer and Kishan build their partnership?

After Abhishek and Samson departed cheaply, Iyer and Kishan steadied the innings and pushed the scoring rate throughout. By the end of the powerplay, India had moved to 62 for 2, with Iyer hitting Shamar Joseph for three successive fours in the sixth over to signal his intent.

Ishan Kishan’s role in the stand was to read the situation and support his partner. Kishan recognised when Iyer was batting more fluently and allowed him to take the lead, finishing unbeaten on 37 as the pair completed the chase with ease.

“Definitely exultant, that’s the word I would use today. Honestly speaking, I was actually thinking about getting my first [T20I] century and it came true. So I definitely want to say that dreams do come true,” Iyer said.

What does Iyer’s record at Ekana Stadium look like?

The century against West Indies was Iyer’s second in as many T20 appearances at Ekana Stadium in 2026. Across five T20 innings at the venue, he has accumulated 335 runs at a strike rate of 200.59, including 255 runs without being dismissed across his last three innings there.

India had returned from the Asian Games in Nisshin, Japan, shortly before this match, and Iyer acknowledged the physical toll of the travel schedule. He was candid about how demanding the turnaround had been but was clear that the team did not treat it as a reason to underperform.

“After that exhausting travel, I didn’t even realise where I was, to be honest. But I adapted quickly to the wicket, to the conditions, and I think bowling first helped us a lot. We just didn’t look at it [the travel] as an excuse. We wanted to come and play as any other cricketer would,” Iyer said.