The 2024 domestic cricket season is in full swing with the prestigious Buchi Babu tournament taking center stage. Among the notable participants is Mumbai’s dynamic batter, Shreyas Iyer. While many players see this tournament as an opportunity to push for a spot in the Indian Test team, Iyer’s situation carries added pressure.
His journey back to the top isn’t just about impressing selectors; it’s also about reclaiming his lost central contract after a series of unfortunate events. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently taken a firm stance on player participation in domestic cricket. Due to limited involvement in the domestic circuit, even star players have faced consequences, with Iyer being a prime example.
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His central contract was terminated, a move that underscored the BCCI’s seriousness about enforcing this policy. Determined to reverse his fortunes, Iyer decided to play in Tamil Nadu’s premier tournament, aiming to catch the eye of both selectors and board officials.
Shreyas Iyer bowling with Sunil Narine action 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Ah0omGDxgE
— Yash Godara #ICT (@105of70Mumbai) August 27, 2024
In an intriguing twist during a match between TNCA XI (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association) and Mumbai on August 27, 2024, Iyer showcased an unexpected side of his cricketing skills. Known primarily for his batting and occasional leg spin, Iyer stunned everyone by mimicking the bowling action of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammate and West Indies spinner, Sunil Narine.
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As he prepared to bowl during the 90th over, Iyer cleverly hid the ball behind his back, replicating Narine’s distinctive style. Though his over went wicketless and cost seven runs, the moment added a layer of excitement to the game.
As captain of KKR in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Iyer’s willingness to experiment and entertain on the field highlights his versatility and flair. Meanwhile, TNCA XI finished Day 1 of the match at 294/5 after 90 overs, setting the stage for an engaging contest.
