Indian cricket’s dependable middle-order pillar, Shreyas Iyer, celebrates his 32nd birthday today. Born on December 6, 1994, in Mumbai, Iyer has grown into one of India’s most stylish stroke-makers and mentally composed finishers in white-ball cricket. Over the years, he has evolved into a genuine match-winner, delivering impactful knocks in high-pressure tournaments and rising through adversity to cement his place in India’s limited-overs core. His IPL journey has been equally remarkable, having been a crucial figure for Delhi Capitals, later leading Kolkata Knight Riders to a title, and now contributing for Punjab Kings.
Iyer made his international debut in November 2017 and has since represented India in 14 Tests, 73 ODIs, and 51 T20Is. Although currently out of the Test and T20I mix, his contributions in ODIs have been exceptional. With 2,917 ODI runs at an excellent average of 47.81 and a strike-rate touching 100, Iyer has consistently provided stability and firepower in the middle overs.
His standout run came during the ICC World Cup 2023, where he smashed 530 runs in 11 innings, including two centuries, and played a decisive semi-final ton against New Zealand. His white-ball brilliance continued in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he finished as India’s second-highest scorer with 243 runs in five innings, showcasing remarkable composure in crunch situations.
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Despite his reputation as an ODI specialist, Iyer’s Test debut remains a highlight of his career—his brilliant century against New Zealand in Kanpur in 2021 set the tone for his red-ball journey. In franchise cricket, Iyer has carved out a unique legacy. He was named Emerging Player of the Year in IPL 2015 after scoring 436 runs in his debut season.
Nearly a decade later, he etched his name in the competition’s history by leading Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024. His domestic exploits are equally staggering—during Mumbai’s 2024-25 Ranji Trophy triumph, he amassed a colossal 1,321 runs at an average of 73, the second-highest tally in a single Ranji season after VVS Laxman.
“Style on the field, drip off the field. Happy Birthday to the coolest cricketer in the game. 🧊🔥”
Shreyas Iyer 🛐 pic.twitter.com/WjLemTIfcB— konaseema🦖rebel (@konaseemarebel) December 5, 2025
Shreyas Iyer’s Top 5 Innings
• 105 vs New Zealand, Kanpur Test 2021 – A gritty, debut-defining hundred that rescued India from trouble.
• 92 vs Sri Lanka, Bengaluru Test 2022 – A masterclass on a rank turner where Iyer’s footwork and shot selection stood out.
• 77 vs South Africa, World Cup 2023 – A commanding knock that derailed the Proteas’ spin plans.
• 105 vs New Zealand, World Cup 2023 – A brutal, legacy-defining century in the semi-final.
• 97 vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2025* – A captain’s knock for Punjab Kings, showcasing measured aggression and leadership.
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Recently, Iyer suffered a severe abdominal injury while attempting a diving catch during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney. Scans revealed a spleen laceration and internal bleeding, forcing him to undergo treatment in Australia before shifting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
He has been ruled out of the South Africa fixtures, but the Indian vice-captain is expected to return for the New Zealand ODI series in January, marking another determined comeback in a career defined by resilience and class.
