The youngster Shreyas Iyer, who was touring for the first time in New Zealand, played an awe-struck innings in Auckland. His splendid knock helped India to register a convincing win in the first T20I match against New Zealand. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif heaped praise on the right-hand batsman. Moreover, Kaif labelled him as the next big superstar for Team India.
New Zealand vs India 2020: Shreyas Iyer played an incredible inning at Eden Park –
Asked to bat first, the Black Caps set a mammoth target of 204 runs against the visiting India. The Kiwis were successful in removing India’s top-order. KL Rahul lost his wicket at 56 while Indian skipper Virat Kohli (45) lost his wicket after Martin Guptill took a stunning catch. Thus, the responsibility to chase down the target was on the shoulder of youngsters.
Then, Iyer stepped up and played a match-winning knock. He scored 58 runs off 29 balls with the striking rate of 200. The 25-year-old struck three sixes and five fours in his incredible innings. This was Iyer’s second fifty in 18 games in the shortest format.
New Zealand vs India 2020: Mohammad Kaif praised the youngster –
Taking to Twitter, Kaif applauded Iyer’s batting. He also mentioned that Team India has seen the rise of living legends; Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and now Shreyas Iyer is establishing himself as the next big thing.
“You’ve seen the rise of #ViratKohli, of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and now KL Rahul too. Watch out for the next big thing – @ShreyasIyer15. Such ease and composure despite playing in New Zealand for the first time! #NZvsIND” mentioned Kaif.
You’ve seen the rise of #ViratKohli, of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and now KL Rahul too.
Watch out for the next big thing – @ShreyasIyer15
Such ease and composure despite playing in New Zealand for the first time! #NZvsIND
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 24, 2020
Earlier, Iyer had also impressed with his innings against Australia in the third ODI game. In Bangalore, he set up a fruitful partnership with captain Kohli to help Team India winning the decider of the T20I series. Iyer, the modern-day cricketer has an apt skill for No. 4 and can fulfil the team’s requirement.
Meanwhile, with the first game done and dusted, the two teams will lock horns in the 2nd T20I which will take place on 26 January at Auckland’s Eden Park.