Shreyas Iyer's blistering century with 10 sixes sends strong message to selectors before Champions Trophy

Drawing on the memories of his incredible century against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal, Iyer strode confidently onto the pitch following a solid foundation laid by the impressive partnership of 141 runs between Ayush Mhatre (78) and Hardik Tamore (84). Given the freedom to go on the offensive, Iyer showed no mercy to the Karnataka bowlers as he smashed his 13th List A century at a remarkable strike rate of 207.27.

The Mumbai captain was given terrific death overs support from Shivam Dube, who also remained not out with 63* off 36 deliveries in an onslaught by the Mumbai batters at the Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground in Ahmedabad. The duo joined forces at 238-4 in the 40th over, and scored 144 runs in just 65 deliveries to finish Mumbai’s innings.

A terrific year on the domestic front continues for Iyer, as both captain and batter. Iyer scored 345 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a phenomenal strike rate of 188.5 as he led Mumbai to a win, having already scored 452 runs in the first five matches of the Ranji Trophy season with an average of 90.4 as Mumbai look to defend their title in the prestigious First Class tournament.

Iyer also memorably led Kolkata Knight Riders to a third IPL win, and his first as captain, as KKR waltzed through the tournament as the most dominant team. Iyer then earned a 26.75 crore rupees paycheck in the IPL auction, snapped up by Punjab Kings as the franchise looks to earn its first IPL title.

Iyer’s knock and performances will likely mean that he retains his spot in the middle order of the Indian ODI team. Rishabh Pant's comeback has placed question marks over whether Iyer will remain the incumbent heading into the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

However, having hammered 530 runs in the World Cup at a strike-rate of 113.24 and an average of 66.25, Iyer has sent a message to the selectors that he doesn’t intend to relinquish a role in the Indian middle order that he has dominated in recent times.

Mumbai will look to get off to a winning start in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, as the star-studded and high-potential squad looks to triple up on major Indian domestic honours and keep their place at the top of the pecking order in domestic cricket.