Shreyas Iyer’s dream debut got even better on Day 4 of the first Test match between India and New Zealand. Iyer scored a half-century in the second innings to build on his incredible century earlier in the match.
As a result of his knock, Iyer achieved the unique distinction of becoming the first Indian player ever to score a century and half-century on their debut. He became only the third Indian after Dilawar Hussain and Sunil Gavaskar to score 50+ knocks in both innings of the game.
More than the runs, what has stood out about Iyer is the grit he has shown in both innings. In the first innings, he had taken India out of a tricky situation at 145-4 to put up a total of 345 on the board. His effort in the second innings was even more special as he rescued India from a collapse as they found themselves struggling at 51-5 on the fourth morning.
Talking about his innings in the second innings, Iyer claimed that while it was his debut, he has faced similar situations many times in the past in domestic cricket.
Talking to the broadcasters after the end of the play, Iyer said, “I had been in this situation before as well, not with the Indian team but with my Ranji team. Mindset was to play the session and play as many balls as possible. I wasn’t thinking too far ahead, was just focusing on the present.”
Iyer revealed it was head coach Rahul Dravid’s advice to him to play as many balls as possible which meant he had to cut his natural attacking instincts. “Rahul Sir had told me to bat as many balls as possible and I was determined to do that,” said the right-handed batsman.
Talking about the record he made on Sunday, Iyer said, “Yeah, I knew about it. When I came back, one of my teammates told me about it. Yeah, many others have done it from other teams but I was told I am the first from India.”
Iyer was eventually dismissed for 65 by Tim Southee. His effort along with a gritty half-century by Wriddhiman Saha and an impressive knock of 32 from Ravichandran Ashwin helped India take a lead of 284 runs before declaring.
New Zealand have already lost the wicket of Will Young. India will need to take 9 wickets to win the game on the final day of the game on Monday.
