New Delhi, March 26: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has lauded Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, naming him the most “improved” batsman in the past year and expressing confidence in his readiness across all cricket formats.
After being omitted from the BCCI’s central contract list for 2023-24, Iyer rejuvenated his career by returning to domestic cricket, showcasing remarkable performances that led to his reintegration into the international scene.
In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Iyer played a pivotal role in Punjab Kings’ victory against Gujarat Titans, scoring an unbeaten 97 in the first innings. His ability to counter short-pitched deliveries, previously considered a weakness, has now become a strength.
Ganguly expressed his admiration for Iyer’s progress, stating on social media platform X, “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.”
Iyer’s consistent domestic performances further underscore his growth:
- In the last Ranji Trophy season, he amassed 480 runs over five matches, averaging 68.57 with a strike rate of 90.22
- During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he accumulated 345 runs in nine matches, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer.
- In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 325 runs in five games, boasting an impressive average of 325.00.
Ganguly’s endorsement aligns with his previous observations about Iyer’s potential, notably remarking that Iyer’s real test would come in challenging conditions like those in South Africa and England.