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In the ever-evolving world of cricket, individual milestones are often celebrated as a testament to a player’s consistency, skill, and impact on the game. For middle-order batsmen, especially those occupying the critical No.4 position, the pressure to score quickly and anchor the innings when wickets fall early is immense. In this context, Shreyas Iyer’s recent record in One Day International (ODI) cricket has not only been remarkable but also historic. With his 50-plus scores continuing to rise, Iyer has now surpassed Virat Kohli and equaled Brian Lara for the most 50-plus scores at No.4 in men’s ODI cricket.
The No.4 position in ODI cricket has traditionally been a vital one. It is the point where the middle order begins to stabilize the innings after the fall of the top order. The batsman must possess a blend of technical skill, adaptability, and the ability to rotate the strike while also playing the big shots when required. Few have excelled in this role like Shreyas Iyer, whose consistency and composure have been a hallmark of his game.
In this article, we take a deep dive into Iyer’s journey, his rise in the ODI format, and the significance of his latest achievement in the context of some of the greatest players to have played the game.
Shreyas Iyer’s Rise to Prominence
Shreyas Iyer’s journey into international cricket began in 2017 when he made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka. Initially seen as a promising prospect, Iyer quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman, known for his stylish stroke play and ability to anchor the innings.
However, it was his performances at No.4 that truly caught the eye of selectors and fans alike. Over time, Iyer’s adaptability at this crucial position has made him one of India’s most important players in the format.
His ability to play both pace and spin with equal comfort, combined with his aggressive stroke play and situational awareness, allowed him to quickly settle into the role. Iyer has also been one of the few Indian players capable of balancing aggression with control, particularly in pressure situations. This approach has seen him contribute regularly to the team’s success, with several key knocks coming at No.4.
A Milestone Moment: Overtaking Kohli
The world of Indian cricket is often dominated by the figures of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and others, but Iyer’s rise has been meteoric. One of the most significant milestones in his career came when Iyer surpassed Virat Kohli for the most 50-plus scores at No.4 in ODIs. While Kohli, known for his consistency and sublime technique, had a significant number of 50-plus scores at No.4, Iyer’s rapid accumulation of runs in the format has now placed him ahead of his more senior teammate.
The significance of this achievement cannot be understated. Virat Kohli has been a stalwart in Indian cricket, particularly in the middle order. His record at No.4 was previously seen as unassailable, making Iyer’s achievement even more impressive. Kohli, with his renowned consistency in ODI cricket, set a benchmark that many players, including Iyer, have been striving to reach.
For Iyer, overtaking Kohli is not just a personal triumph; it is a reflection of his growing maturity and consistency as a batsman. With his ability to build partnerships, rotate the strike, and accelerate when required, Iyer has shown that he is not only a capable replacement for the likes of Kohli at No.4 but a player who can lead the way for the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Equaling Brian Lara’s Record
As Iyer’s tally of 50-plus scores at No.4 continued to rise, another milestone loomed large — he was rapidly closing in on the great Brian Lara, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the game. Lara, the West Indian legend, is often regarded as one of the finest batsmen ever to play the game, and his records are cherished in cricketing lore.
When Iyer notched up his next 50-plus score in an ODI against a challenging opponent, it not only marked his growing influence in the format but also saw him equal Brian Lara’s record for the most 50-plus scores at No.4 in ODIs. Lara, known for his elegant batting and memorable centuries, had laid the groundwork for future generations to follow. Now, Iyer had matched his tally, cementing his place among some of the greatest middle-order players in the history of the game.
The comparison to Brian Lara, given the latter’s legendary status in the cricketing world, is a testament to the quality of Iyer’s performances. To be mentioned in the same breath as Lara is an achievement that few modern-day cricketers can claim. The significance of this achievement goes beyond numbers; it is a reflection of Iyer’s evolution into one of the finest middle-order batsmen in the contemporary cricketing world.
Full List of Most Men’s ODI 50-Plus Scores at No.4
As of now, here is the full list of players with the most 50-plus scores at No.4 in men’s ODIs, with Iyer’s name now at the top of this prestigious list:
- Shreyas Iyer – 17 scores
- Virat Kohli – 16 scores
- Brian Lara – 17 scores
- Mark Waugh – 14 scores
- Michael Bevan – 13 scores
- Aravinda de Silva – 12 scores
- Chris Cairns – 11 scores
- Jacques Kallis – 10 scores
As we can see, Iyer has now firmly established himself as the leader in this category, having overtaken Kohli, who held the record for a significant period. Iyer’s tally, which currently stands at 17, is a clear indication of his consistency at No.4. His ability to make meaningful contributions, often under pressure, has earned him this spot at the top of the rankings.
The Evolution of Iyer’s Game
Shreyas Iyer’s success at No.4 is not a result of luck but a combination of hard work, adaptability, and a clear understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. Over the years, Iyer has worked on his game, particularly in his ability to rotate the strike and build innings, which is crucial in the middle overs.
His stroke play is a mixture of elegance and aggression, which is perfectly suited for the demands of No.4. Iyer can hit the ball effortlessly to the boundary, but his ability to switch gears and take the game deep has made him indispensable for India. His performances have been instrumental in India’s success in various tournaments, including the Asia Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, and the 2023 World Cup.
Moreover, Iyer’s adaptability against both spin and pace has also contributed to his success at this crucial position. Whether against a quality pacer like Trent Boult or a spinner like Rashid Khan, Iyer has shown that he can tackle all challenges head-on.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Iyer’s rise to the top of the record books has significant implications for Indian cricket. With established players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the top order, the middle-order role has often been a position of pressure. Players like Iyer have filled that gap brilliantly, and his record-breaking achievements underscore his importance in the Indian setup.
His consistency in ODIs, particularly at No.4, has made him a crucial part of India’s middle order, providing stability when the team faces difficult situations. Iyer’s performances also represent a changing of the guard in Indian cricket. As older players step back, Iyer and his contemporaries are showing the way forward, keeping India at the forefront of world cricket.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s recent feat of surpassing Virat Kohli and equaling Brian Lara for the most 50-plus scores at No.4 in ODIs is a monumental achievement in his career. It signifies not only his growing stature as one of India’s best middle-order batsmen but also the evolution of his game, making him one of the most reliable players in world cricket today.
Iyer’s place at the top of this prestigious list underscores his consistency and adaptability, and his future in Indian cricket looks incredibly promising. As he continues to rewrite the record books, his legacy as one of the finest middle-order batsmen of his generation is being firmly established. The world of cricket will be watching closely as Iyer continues to build on this achievement and create more records to come.
