Synopsis
Aakash Chopra commended Shreyas Iyer’s stellar innings of 97 runs off 42 balls, leading Punjab Kings to a narrow victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 opener, showcasing exceptional skill against spin bowling.Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer scored an unbeaten 97 runs.
- He displayed remarkable hitting ability against spin.
- Chopra believes Iyer is India’s best middle overs batter.
- Iyer's stance adjustments have enhanced his performance.
- Punjab Kings achieved their second-highest IPL total.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his admiration for Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable innings of unbeaten 97 off 42 balls during Punjab Kings’ 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2025 opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Chopra emphasized Iyer’s knack for taking charge in the middle overs, especially against spin, dubbing him India’s finest batter during that phase.
“It was simply clean and crisp hitting—particularly against spin. I genuinely think he is the top Indian batter in the middle overs when it comes to dismantling spinners. While many batters depend on stepping out to create momentum for lofted shots, Shreyas doesn’t require that. This makes it exceptionally challenging for bowlers to anticipate his forthcoming action,” Chopra stated on JioHotstar.
Iyer’s prowess was clearly evident as he skillfully navigated Gujarat Titans’ bowling lineup, especially against their spin specialists, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore. He countered Sai Kishore with two additional boundaries right after the left-arm spinner had claimed two wickets in successive deliveries in the prior over.
He also took the fight to Rashid Khan, hammering two of the five sixes the leg-spinner conceded in his final analysis of 4-0-48-1. Iyer was astute in spotting scoring chances, even identifying a wide delivery while stationed at the non-striker’s end in the 15th over. When he faced the extra ball, he launched it for a six.
“His stance has slightly evolved—he has opened it up a bit. Traditionally, batting is a side-on approach, but now his back leg is not entirely parallel to the popping crease. Instead, it is positioned between the point and the cover. This adjustment has enabled him to access areas that were previously challenging,” Chopra remarked.
“His bat, which once descended almost over the off-stump, is now positioned a little outside. This subtle modification permits him to transfer his weight effectively and maintain balance while executing his shots. If a batter is overly focused on the short ball and shifts all their weight to the back foot, they frequently mistime their shots. However, Iyer, with his balanced stance, stays agile and in control,” he added.
Throughout his innings, Iyer spearheaded the attack, belting nine sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 230.95. Debutant Priyansh Arya provided a rapid start with 47 off 23 balls, while Shashank Singh’s late surge of 44 off 16 deliveries helped Punjab Kings achieve their second-highest total in IPL history.
“Shreyas Iyer’s innings was a masterclass. His capability to manage both spin and pace with such ease makes him a nightmare for bowlers in the middle overs. If he maintains this form, Punjab Kings will definitely be a formidable contender this season,” Chopra concluded.
