‘Kind Of Déjà vu…,’ Shreyas Iyer After Blasting Maiden WC Ton vs NED 

image-lovphq9qShreyas Iyer listed 128* from just 94 balls against NED at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

India’s middle-order stalwart Shreyas Iyer notched up his fourth fifty-plus score of the 2023 World Cup, his third in succession, and his first World Cup century through the course of his unbeaten 128 against Netherlands in Bengaluru. The cricketer shared a 71-run partnership with Virat Kohli before extending his team’s total beyond the 400-run mark alongside fellow centurion KL Rahul.

Iyer’s innings also marked his career-best ODI score, one which set up India’s 160-run win over Netherlands to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament to nine matches.

Fittingly adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts, the Indian batting veteran exulted and revealed his batting anecdote during the post-game presentation.

Shreyas Iyer reveals batting anecdote after 128*

Shreyas Iyer claimed that he is happy to get to his first World Cup century, and believes that he threw away his wicket against Australia in India’s opening match of the tournament last month.

The 28-year-old added that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium surface was a “bit tacky” to bat on, and it only allowed him to play his strokes once he got settled in. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Iyer said:

“It’s kind of deja vu. This happened against Australia as well and I threw away my wicket. But I got the opportunity today and am happy to get to the triple figures.”

“Not easy and that's the fun part about it. The wicket was a bit tacky. I would say two-paced. Once I adapted to the pace of the pitch, I started playing my strokes.”

Shreyas Iyer further stated that he tries to hit most of his shots straight down the ground. He also emphasized the importance of keeping the head still and maintaining a good follow through of hands and shoulders while playing free-flowing strokes.

“I have worked hard in the nets and in the domestic games I have played. I try to hit it straight down the ground. I try to hold my head still while playing those shots and then it's about the follow through of my hands and the shoulders.”

As India romp home to their ninth successive victory, Shreyas Iyer and his teammates will now take field against New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. The much-awaited knockout fixture will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15.