Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Shreyas Iyer dazzles with brilliant ton against Odisha

Shreyas Iyer. (Source:X/Twitter)

Shreyas Iyer was released from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The fact that the right-handed batter led the team to the IPL 2024 trophy and was left out, made fans ponder over the decision. But the Mumbai-born cricketer made heads turn with an unbeaten 152 off 164 balls laced with 18 boundaries and four maximums against Odisha in a Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game today. 

Along with Iyer, Siddhesh Lad also remained unbeaten on 116 off 234 with the help of 14 boundaries as Mumbai posted 385/3 at Stumps on Day 1 at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in BKC, Mumbai. Another highlight of the day was the 231* (298) partnership between Iyer and Lad for the fourth wicket.

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It is worth noting that Iyer missed the Mumbai game against Tripura. He also scored 142 runs against Maharashtra two rounds back. Several reports cited different reasons that he missed the match against Tripura, with many reporting him as injured, and some citing that he needed rest, while some other reports mentioned it was due to personal reasons.

“He’s captain and we have to build around that leadership and we picked him in 2022 specifically for that. Unfortunately, he was injured in 2023. The moment he came back, he got his captaincy back. He was an integral part, did a terrific job and I enjoyed a personal rapport with him. But at the end of the day, people also have to make their own decisions and decide on what’s best for them and the direction that want to go,” KKR CEO, Venky Mysore said on Iyer’s exclusion.

On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane was unfortunately dismissed for a duck and Ayush Mhatre contributed just 18 runs. Another notable contribution came from Angkrish Raghuvanshi as he scored 92 off 124 while opening the innings.