Shreyas Iyer: From Delhi Streets to International Cricket

Shreyas Iyer grew up in a middle‑class family in Delhi, dreaming of wearing the Indian jersey. He started playing gully cricket with a tape‑ball bat, quickly standing out for his powerful strokes and calm temperament. By his teens, he was already scoring runs in school tournaments, which caught the eye of local coaches.

Early Career and Domestic Success

Shreyas made his first‑class debut for Delhi in 2014. In his debut season he posted a gritty 78 and followed it up with a double‑century the next year. Those innings earned him a spot in the India A side, where he kept the momentum going with several half‑centuries against overseas teams.

His consistency in Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy made the national selectors sit up and take notice. In 2018, he got the call‑up for the limited‑overs squad and debuted in a T20I against the West Indies, scoring a quick 41 off 27 balls.

IPL Journey – Captain and Match‑Winner

Shreyas entered the IPL with the Delhi Daredevils in 2015, but it was his move to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018 that turned him into a headline name. He became KKR’s vice‑captain and later their captain, guiding the side to the 2021 final. His ability to rotate the strike and hit boundaries in the death overs made him a go‑to player for many teams.

Statistically, Shreyas averages over 35 in IPL with a strike rate near 130. He notched his first hundred in 2022, a blistering 101 off 57 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, showing he can build big innings when needed.

International Role and Recent Performances

On the international stage, Shreyas has been used mainly as a middle‑order batsman in ODIs and T20Is. He played a crucial 73 against England in the 2022 Asia Cup, stabilising the innings after early wickets fell. In Test cricket, he earned a spot as an opener during India’s tour of England in 2022, scoring a gritty 71 in the first innings of the first Test.

His recent form includes a 62* against Pakistan in a high‑pressure ODI, where his partnership with the senior batsmen helped India chase a tough target. Coaches praise his ability to read the game and adjust his aggression accordingly.

Playing Style and Strengths

Shreyas combines a solid technique with a modern, aggressive mindset. He’s comfortable playing both straight drives and lofted shots, making him versatile across formats. His footwork against the spinners is especially good, allowing him to find gaps in the field.

Defensively, he’s not a specialist, but his quick reflexes in the field save many runs. He’s also a good leader, often calming younger players with clear instructions and by setting an example with his work ethic.

What’s Next for Shreyas?

Looking ahead, Shreyas aims to cement his place in India’s white‑ball lineup and compete for a permanent spot in the Test side. With the next IPL season around the corner, fans expect him to lead KKR deep into the playoffs again. Off the field, he’s involved in youth cricket programmes in Delhi, hoping to give back to the community that nurtured his talent.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a cricket geek, Shreyas Iyer’s journey shows that hard work, adaptability, and a bit of swagger can take you from local grounds to the world stage.