Shreyas Iyer Sunglasses Stir in Duleep Trophy 2024; Departs Without Scoring
The Duleep Trophy 2024 has captured the attention of cricket fans, with India A facing off against India D in a much-anticipated match in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Leading the India D team was Shreyas Iyer, who found himself under the microscope, especially after being excluded from India’s Test squad for the Bangladesh series. Unfortunately, Iyer’s performance fell short, resulting in criticism not just for his batting but also for his peculiar choice of attire on the pitch.
As India D’s captain, Shreyas Iyer took to the crease following an early setback when the team lost its first wicket for just four runs. In a move that surprised many, Iyer came out to bat wearing sunglasses, a fashion statement rarely seen in serious cricket matches. While this amused the crowd, it did not translate into a successful innings. Iyer struggled, facing just seven balls before being dismissed for a duck. Khaleel Ahmed, a bowler for India A, claimed his wicket as Iyer chipped the ball straight into the hands of Aaqib Khan.
Iyer’s brief stint at the crease and his choice of sunglasses sparked a wave of reactions among fans and cricket enthusiasts. Many expected him to deliver a solid performance, especially given the pressure he was under following his recent exclusion from the national Test team. His dismissal, however, came as a disappointment to those hoping to see a strong captain’s knock. The decision to wear sunglasses also raised questions, with some fans criticizing it as a distraction from his focus on the game.
While Iyer’s dismissal was the highlight for many, the match itself was filled with noteworthy moments. Chasing a target of 291 set by India A, India D struggled under the dominance of bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan. However, Devdutt Padikkal emerged as the lone warrior for India D, valiantly scoring 92 runs. Despite his efforts, the team found itself faltering at 152/7, with Padikkal’s performance being the only silver lining.
The match had an interesting start when India D won the toss and chose to bowl first. India A’s batting lineup faced challenges, losing wickets at regular intervals. Although some resilience came from players like Riyan Parag, who scored 37 runs, and Kumar Kushagra with 28, it was the seventh-wicket partnership that truly stood out. Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani put together an impressive 91-run stand, stabilizing India A’s innings. Kotian eventually fell for a well-made 53 off 80 balls, while Mulani went on to score a crucial 89 runs. Thanks to their efforts, India A posted a total of 290 runs in the first innings.
Despite Iyer’s early dismissal and India D’s overall struggle, the match showcased the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket. Devdutt Padikkal’s determined innings, even in the face of a collapsing batting order, demonstrated his potential as a future star. On the other hand, the bowling prowess of Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan for India A kept fans on the edge of their seats, as they took key wickets and maintained pressure on the opposing team.
The Duleep Trophy has always been a platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills and stake a claim for national selection. While Shreyas Iyer’s outing may not have gone as planned, the tournament continues to offer thrilling cricket action and an opportunity for players to shine.
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