NEW DELHI: Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer notched up a double-century in Mumbai’s fourth-round Ranji Trophy clash against Odisha at Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai on Thursday.
The innings was memorable not only for the sheer brilliance of Iyer’s 233 off 228 balls but also for the presence of his father, Santosh Iyer, who witnessed the proud moment from the stands.
Santosh has been a constant supporter throughout Shreyas’s journey in cricket, and watching his son break his own record with his highest-ever first-class score must have been a poignant experience for the senior Iyer.
Starting Day 2 with an overnight score of unbeaten 152, Shreyas quickly reached his double ton, achieving the milestone in just 201 balls.
His father’s presence seemed to inspire him further as he seamlessly built on his score, surpassing his previous best of 202.
Batting with purpose and precision, Shreyas smashed 24 fours and nine sixes, dominating Odisha’s bowlers and helping Mumbai establish a commanding position with a total of 602/4 declared.
Shreyas came to the crease when Mumbai was struggling at 154/3, but he turned the game around, partnering with Siddesh Lad in a massive 354-run stand.
Together, they dismantled Odisha’s bowling attack and demonstrated Mumbai’s batting strength, with Lad also reaching a milestone by scoring his ninth first-class hundred.
For Santosh Iyer, watching his son deliver such a powerful innings was undoubtedly emotional and fulfilling.
The father-son connection added depth to Shreyas’s exceptional performance, as Santosh looked on with pride while his son powered Mumbai towards a stronghold in the match.
At stumps on Day 2, Odisha were trailing by a massive 456 runs at 146/5. For Santosh, it was a day to remember as his son added another glorious chapter to their shared cricketing dream.