Shreyas Iyer has taken charge as a leader for PBKs in IPL 2025 so far. ©BCCI/IPL
At 30 years old, Shreyas Iyer stands out in India’s ODI and T20 lineup, being the only player from the ODI squad integrally involved in T20 discussions. Although he remains a key focus for opponents before major matches, he has been sidelined from T20 formats for a significant period. While he participated in bilateral series leading up to the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022, he wasn’t selected for either tournament and has played only two T20I series since then when the primary players were rested.
Shreyas made his IPL debut in 2015 for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) and clinched the Best Emerging Player award that season. Initially recognized for his ability against spin, he struggled against high-quality pace, particularly short deliveries. From 2015 to 2017, Shreyas averaged 81.66 against spin, a figure bettered only by Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya, but managed a meager average of 22.48 against pace with most of his dismissals coming from pace bowlers.
Shreyas’ Performance Against Pace and Spin
| Parameter | 2015-17 | 2018-22 | Since 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissmissals vs Pace | 25 | 29 | 8 |
| Average vs Pace | 22.48 | 38.51 | 38.25 |
| Strike Rate vs Pace | 124.61 | 125.22 | 161.05 |
| Boundary % vs Pace | 18.40 | 16.25 | 23.15 |
| Dissmissals vs Spin | 3 | 27 | 1 |
| Average vs Spin | 81.66 | 31.55 | 194.00 |
| Strike Rate vs Spin | 138.41 | 122.76 | 160.33 |
| Boundary % vs Spin | 15.81 | 11.52 | 20.66 |
From 2018 to 2022, Shreyas took on a leadership role with Delhi and Kolkata Knight Riders, shifting towards being a top-order batter with a more stable approach. His average against pace improved significantly, yet his boundary percentage diminished as he opted for a more cautious style. Interestingly, his effectiveness against short deliveries rose during this period, indicating a shift towards a more controlled method of tackling pace.
Since 2024, Shreyas has embraced a proactive approach to short-pitched bowling, showing improved footwork and positioning. This transformation has led to remarkable improvements in his average against short balls, now standing at 79, one of the best among Indian cricketers. In IPL 2025, he has continued this trend and showcased his power hitting capabilities, becoming more effective against short deliveries.
Shreyas’ Evolution Against Spin
| Period | Dissmissals | Average | Strike Rate | Ball/Dissmissal | Boundary % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-17 | 5 | 50.20 | 138.67 | 36.2 | 15.46 |
| 2018-22 | 38 | 26.81 | 122.91 | 21.8 | 13.14 |
| Since 2024 | 2 | 101.00 | 144.28 | 70.0 | 19.28 |
Shreyas has also made significant strides against spin in recent matches, greatly enhancing his performance against both left-arm orthodox and leg spin. His recent matches reflect this change, emphasizing a greater adaptability to hit balls effectively in various areas of the field.
With impressive improvements in both his batting and captaincy, the Punjab management, along with coach Ricky Ponting, is optimistic about Shreyas leading the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. His skilled middle-order performance against spin adds to his value in the current T20 landscape, where competition is fierce. A successful IPL 2025 campaign could reignite his T20 career for India.
© Cricbuzz
