IND vs ENG: 'No way BCCI did not give him a contract!' Shreyas Iyer's bat does the talking as fans enjoy his knock in 1st ODI
Shreyas Iyer walked in when India lost early wickets for just 19 runs. However, he not only stabilized the innings but also launched a stunning counter-attack, hitting two sixes and nine fours to score 59 off just 36 balls.
It seems that having to stop a movie midway to get some sleep！only to replace the injured Virat Kohli！proved to be fruitful, as Shreyas Iyer played a brilliant knock to help India chase down the 249-run target with ease. Iyer drew upon his recent domestic cricket experience to notch his 19th ODI fifty at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur against England.
Iyer walked in when India lost early wickets for just 19 runs. However, he not only stabilized the innings but also launched a stunning counter-attack, hitting two sixes and nine fours to score 59 off just 36 balls. His aggressive stroke play even saw his partner, Shubman Gill, play the supporting role for a while.
Shreyas Iyer's performance
Prior to this knock, Iyer had registered multiple centuries in domestic circuit, including a double ton in the Ranji Trophy. He also played a key role in Mumbai's triumphant in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy campaign.
In the clash against England, he made his intentions clear early on in his innings as he smashed the English pace ace Jofra Archer for a six over midwicket, followed by another maximum over third man.
Half-century up in no time! ????
！ BCCI (@BCCI) February 6, 2025
FIFTY number 1?9? in ODIs for Shreyas Iyer ?
Follow The Match ?? https://t.co/lWBc7oPRcd#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/kU9voo4bx6
While Iyer continued his glorious form, one glaring aspect stood out！he was left out of the BCCI central contracts list for the 2024-25 season. The decision came after he skipped Ranji Trophy matches due to back issues.
Fans react to Shreyas Iyer's knock and BCCI's snub
Soon after his impressive fifty, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their joy at seeing the star batter back in action for the national team. They also began questioning how it was fair to exclude Iyer from the central contracts despite his consistent performances.
One fan wrote, "No way BCCI dared to deprive this guy of a central contract. Shreyas Iyer, everyone!"
NO way BCCI dared to deprive this guy from central contract. Shreyas Iyer for you all ? pic.twitter.com/t7o5a8sn2x
！ Parijat (@Vkohlic18) February 6, 2025
Another added, "Shreyas Iyer had his central contract stripped when he delivered one of India's best middle-order performances in an ODI World Cup. BCCI and Indian cricket fans have always been ungrateful to him. He has performed well time and again but never received enough respect!"
Central Contract was stripped off of Shreyas Iyer when he gave India all time batting performance at a ODI WC by middler order batter.
！ Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) February 6, 2025
BCCI & ICT fans has always been ungrateful to Shreyas. He always done well and still never received enough respect!pic.twitter.com/XguRcQ7RkN
One user demanded, "If there's even a little shame left, then reinstate Shreyas Iyer's central contract and give him consistent opportunities in Team India."
If there is even a little shame left then start giving central contract to Shreyas Iyer again and give him consistent opportunities in Team India.@BCCI pic.twitter.com/nqQyFdP233
！ Dhruv Thakur (@Dhruv_rajawat11) February 6, 2025
Another fan stated, "Terminating Shreyas Iyer's contract was the worst decision by BCCI last year!"
Terminating Shreyas iyer's contract was the worst decision by BCCI Last year!!#AskStar #INDvENG
！ Madhur Bansal (@Madhur__Bansal) February 6, 2025
Shreyas Iyer on getting a chance to play
During the post-match chat with Star Sports, Shreyas Iyer shared a lighthearted moment: "So, funny story. I was watching a movie last night. I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from the skipper saying I might have to play because Virat had a swollen knee.
"I hurried back to my room and went to sleep straight away´ I'm going to keep it low-key and just cherish this moment and the victory."
He added, "I wasn't supposed to play the first game. Unfortunately, Virat got injured, and I got the opportunity. But I kept myself prepared. I knew that at any point, I could get a chance to play."
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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