Why Shreyas Iyer’s comeback stands out in modern Indian cricket

There have been quite a few tales of resurgence which have marked Indian cricket in the past. The one involving Shreyas Iyer is right up there. Iyer’s fall from grace was swift. There were question marks raised around his form, fitness, and attitude.

With his back against the wall, he worked with unrelenting intensity to get back his mojo. So, how did Iyer claw his way back into the reckoning after being written off?

Why Iyer’s comeback is the best in modern Indian cricket history

Omitted from the BCCI’s annual retainership list

After getting dropped from the final three Tests of the five-match series against England in early 2024 in the wake of underwhelming performances with the bat, Iyer was expected to participate in the domestic circuit according to the fresh directive by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

However, Iyer did not intimate the Mumbai Cricket Association regarding his availability and ended up missing a few games for Mumbai. This did not sit well with the BCCI, who shortly went onto dash out Iyer’s name for the 2023-24 cycle of the annual contract list.

Part of 2023-24 Ranji Trophy-winning team

Iyer was named in Mumbai’s squad for their semi-final against Tamil Nadu. He was dismissed for a miserly score of three in the first innings. He had a disappointing outing against Vidarbha in the first innings of the final of the competition too.

However, it was his well-paced 95-run knock off 111 deliveries in the second innings which took Mumbai to post an imposing total. Vidarbha ended up falling short by 169 runs, granting Mumbai their 42nd title, their first after an eight-year wait.

Led KKR to IPL 2024 title

The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League was Iyer’s second with Kolkata Knight Riders. He was ruled out of the previous season due to a back injury. There were a whole lot of expectations from Iyer to deliver for the franchise after finishing in seventh place in both 2022 and 2023.

Iyer registered 351 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 146.86 to guide KKR to a title-winning season. His charismatic captaincy was one of the primary reasons behind KKR’s success. The rotation of bowlers during critical situations was quite impressive.

Part of 2024 Irani Cup-winning team

Iyer struck a fine half-century (57 off 84) in Mumbai’s first innings of their Irani Cup clash against Rest of India at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. His century stand with skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, was crucial in laying the foundation for the rest of the batting unit.

Sarfaraz Khan made full use of the groundwork to rack up a stunning unbeaten 222. Although Iyer only scored eight in the second innings, Mumbai had already established a firm grip over their opponent. They ended up clinching the silverware on the basis of first innings lead.

Acquired by PBKS for INR 26.75 crore

An intense bidding war unfurled at the IPL mega auction in Jeddah last year as Punjab Kings acquired Shreyas Iyer’s services for a whopping INR 26.75, making him the second-most expensive player at the event, only behind Rishabh Pant.

Iyer not being retained by KKR came as a huge surprise for the cricket fraternity while PBKS’ purchase came as a powerful statement. PBKS were in desperate need of a full-time skipper in addition to someone who would work alongside newly-appopinted head coach, Ricky Ponting. Iyer turned out to be the most apt candidate given his past association with Ponting at Delhi Capitals.

Part of 2024 SMAT-winning team

Iyer ended up playing an instrumental role in Mumbai’s triumphant journey in the 2024 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His blistering 130 (57) against Goa his team’s tournament opener turned out to be the third-highest score of the edition.

He ended up as their second-leading run-scorer with 345 runs in eight innings at a scorching strike rate of 188.52. Iyer led from the front and guided Mumbai to their second-ever SMAT title after they overcame Madhya Pradesh by five wickets in the final.

Part of 2025 CT-winning team

Iyer carried forward his sensational nick in the three-match ODI series against England to the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy. He ended up as India’s leading and the tournament’s second-leading run-scorer, respectively, with 243 runs in five innings.

Iyer’s batting performances served as the backbone around which the middle-order revolved. His campaign was vital for India to emerge as comprehensive victors at the end. The CT title injected new life in Indian cricket after a lackluster few months in the red-ball format.

Led PBKS to playoffs after 11 years

Punjab Kings had failed to make it to the playoffs ever since 2014, the same season in which they appeared in their first and only final until now. Iyer, with his splendid exhibition with the bat and leadership prowess, ensured that PBKS not only book the elusive playoffs berth but also bag the coveted top-two spot, giving them an extra opportunity to qualify for the final.

In the meanwhile, his batting brilliance ensured a return to the BCCI contract list for the 2024-25 cycle. He was one amongst four other Indian cricketers to be shortlisted in the Grade B category. This was a notable development for Iyer’s path with the Men in Blue after what he had gone through in the early part of 2024. 

While Iyer is a notable omission in India’s 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England away from home, his Test comeback may not too far away with India set to host West Indies and South Africa for two Tests each later this year.

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