Published By: Sanchari Das

From Collapse to Glory: 5 Times Shreyas Iyer Pulled Off Savage Rescues to Lead Mumbai in 2024!

From blistering hundreds to pressure-cooked chases, Shreyas Iyer's unmatched grit and flair helped Mumbai conquer domestic tournaments, keeping his name in the spotlight for all the right reasons

The underrated maestro Shreyas Iyer has consistently reminded cricket fans of his indispensable role in Indian cricket, especially in the ODI format. Despite being sidelined from Test and T20I cricket, Iyer has showcased his brilliance in domestic tournaments. His bat does the talking, with exemplary performances reviving Mumbai's fortunes in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. These tournaments saw Iyer single-handedly steer his team to victories, underlining his importance as a match-winner.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 

130 vs. Goa

Against Goa, Iyer's phenomenal knock in SMAT 2024 highlighted his ability to dominate under pressure. Walking in with Mumbai in a tricky situation, Iyer smashed an unbeaten 130 off just 57 balls, including 11 fours and 10 sixes. His explosive innings powered Mumbai to an imposing total of 250/4 in 20 overs. This masterclass at a strike rate of 228.07 left Goa with a nearly impossible chase. Such impactful performances have showcased Iyer's unmatched class in domestic cricket.

71 vs. Maharashtra 

Facing Maharashtra in SMAT 2024, Iyer proved his worth yet again. Chasing a competitive 172, Mumbai stumbled early, losing Prithvi Shaw in the first over. But Iyer, alongside Ajinkya Rahane, steadied the innings with a dazzling 71 off 39 balls, studded with eight fours and three sixes. His audacious shot-making saw Mumbai cruise to victory with five wickets and two overs to spare. This knock epitomised his ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.

Vijay Hazare Trophy

114 vs. Karnataka

Iyer's stellar form carried into the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he played a captain's innings against Karnataka. His unbeaten 114 off just 55 balls included 10 sixes and five fours, propelling Mumbai to a mammoth 382/4. Iyer's 13th List A century exemplified his dominance in the domestic circuit. Alongside teammates Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre, Iyer's brilliance ensured a resounding victory, leaving Karnataka's bowlers battered.

137 vs. Pondicherry

In the sixth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Mumbai's batting lineup faltered against Pondicherry, reducing to 82/5 early. But Shreyas Iyer rose to the occasion, smashing an unbeaten 137 off 133 balls. His innings featured 16 fours and four sixes, and he single-handedly guided Mumbai to 290. Iyer's heroic knock overshadowed his teammates' lacklustre performance, reinforcing his reputation as a saviour in crunch situations.

44 vs. Hyderabad 

The Vijay Hazare Trophy final against Hyderabad tested Iyer's tactical acumen. Mumbai's decision to promote tailenders backfired, leaving them at 105/7. However, Iyer's composed 44 and Tanush Kotian's gritty 39 ensured Mumbai clinched a thrilling victory. On a tricky deck, Iyer's ability to handle pressure and adapt to the situation was evident, showcasing his leadership qualities with 44 runs.

An unparalleled year of triumphs

Iyer's contributions extended beyond individual brilliance. Leading Mumbai to SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy titles, he became the first cricketer to win these trophies alongside an IPL title as captain in a single calendar year. His leadership of Kolkata Knight Riders to their first IPL title in a decade, combined with his domestic exploits, cements his legacy as a modern-day great. Iyer's performances are a testament to his resilience and unmatched hunger for success.

Iyer's phenomenal displays in SMAT and the Vijay Hazare Trophy remind cricket enthusiasts why he remains a vital cog in Indian cricket's machinery. His ability to rescue his team from dire situations and his consistency underscore his value as a complete cricketer.