Shreyas Iyer 3.0: From Spin-Hitter to Modern T20 Marauder

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Shreyas Iyer, a 30-year-old Indian cricketer, has undergone a significant transformation in his T20 game. He has evolved from a spin-hitter to a modern T20 marauder, adapting to the changing landscape of the game.

Shreyas' Journey

Shreyas broke into the IPL in 2015 and initially struggled against quality pace, especially from shorter lengths. However, he excelled against spin, averaging 81.66 between 2015 and 2017. He was one of the above-average boundary hitters in this period, surpassing players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan.

The Turning Point

In 2018, Shreyas took on the role of captaincy, which marked a significant shift in his game. He turned into a top-order batter with anchor tendencies, improving his average against pace to 38.51. However, his boundary percentages dropped, and he traded a high-risk approach for more stability.

The Modern Shreyas

Since the start of IPL 2024, Shreyas has taken a more positive approach to short-pitched bowling. He has become more supple with his feet movement, getting more side on to the short deliveries. This has resulted in improved numbers against short balls, with an average of 79 and a strike-rate of 205.

Shreyas vs Shot Balls in IPL

Shreyas' ODI Numbers

In ODIs, Shreyas has also shown significant improvement against short balls, averaging 120 at a strike rate of 140 in the last 15 months.

The Less Talked About Aspect

Shreyas' spin game has also seen significant improvement, with him averaging 131 and striking at 196 against left-arm orthodox and leg spin since IPL 2024. He has become more effective in playing the ball off the front foot or backing away, using his reach to hit the balls in front of square.

Leadership Credentials

Shreyas' leadership credentials are well-established, and he will be looking to lead Punjab to the Playoffs in IPL 2025. His ability to hit against away spin in a middle-order largely devoid of left-handers makes him a crucial cog in the team's wheel.

Conclusion

Shreyas Iyer has undergone a remarkable transformation in his T20 game, adapting to the changing landscape of the game. His ability to hit against short-pitched bowling and spin has made him a modern T20 marauder. With his leadership credentials and ability to perform under pressure, Shreyas is set to make a significant impact in IPL 2025.