New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has lauded Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable improvement over the past year, declaring him ready for all cricket formats. The 30-year-old Punjab Kings skipper, who was notably absent from BCCI’s central contract list for 2023-24, has silenced critics with his recent performances in domestic cricket and the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Iyer’s journey of redemption reached new heights during the IPL 2025 match against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. His unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, including nine sixes and five fours, not only showcased his improved technique against short-pitched deliveries but also propelled Punjab Kings to a formidable total of 243/5. The innings proved crucial in securing a narrow 11-run victory for his team.
Ganguly, expressing his admiration on social media platform X, wrote, “Shreyas iyer the most improved batsman in last 1 yr .. ready for all formats. Great to see his improvement after a few issues on length.” This endorsement from the former BCCI president highlights Iyer’s successful transformation and adaptability across different playing conditions.
Iyer’s resurgence isn’t limited to the IPL. His impressive domestic performances include 480 runs at an average of 68.57 in the Ranji Trophy, 345 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and a staggering 325 runs at an average of 325.00 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These statistics underscore his consistent form and readiness for higher levels of competition.
The Punjab Kings captain’s selfless approach was evident when he prioritized team success over personal milestones. Despite being just three runs short of his maiden IPL century, Iyer encouraged teammate Shashank Singh to take strike in the final over, resulting in a crucial late surge for the team.
As the IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer to see if he can maintain this rich vein of form and potentially reclaim his spot in the national team across all formats.
