Shreyas Iyer’s T20 Comeback: How a Revamped Approach to Short Balls and Spin Has Revived His IPL Form:

Shreyas Iyer remains a curious case in India’s white-ball circuit. Despite a solid ODI career and being a key figure during the 2023 World Cup final prep, the 30-year-old has remained largely absent from the T20I setup. His only appearances post-2022 came in second-string squads after ICC tournaments.

While he had early exposure in the T20 World Cup build-ups in 2021 and 2022, Iyer failed to make the final squads. His T20I career, in hindsight, is now seen as a reflection of an older, more conservative era of Indian T20 cricket.

IPL Evolution: From Spin Specialist to Balanced Middle-Order Batter

Entering the IPL in 2015 with the Delhi Capitals, Iyer was instantly recognized for his strong play against spin. Between 2015-17, he averaged 81.66 against spin while striking at 138. Yet, he struggled against pace, averaging just 22.48 with a 124 strike rate.

His Achilles heel? Short balls. He averaged 26.4 against short-pitched pace and scored at just 116. Despite this, he was a standout boundary hitter, bettering names like Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni.

The 2018–22 Phase: Anchor Role with Tactical Trade-Offs

Shreyas shifted roles between 2018 and 2022, leading both Delhi and later Kolkata Knight Riders. His average against pace jumped to 38.51, but strike rate remained stagnant and boundary rates dropped. Among 32 batters with 500+ balls faced, his strike rate was fifth-lowest.

His short-ball approach became more passive—attacking just 42.6% of short deliveries and maintaining a strike rate of 115.

Technical Fixes and New Intent Since IPL 2024

Under guidance from coach Pravin Amre, Iyer stopped attempting risky pull shots. However, since IPL 2024, he has aggressively confronted his short-ball issue:

Uses more lateral footwork

Engages side-on stance

Pull shot execution has improved significantly

Updated short ball numbers (Since 2024):

Average: 79.00

Strike Rate: 162.88

Boundary %: 23.71

False shot %: Down to 18.4%

Notably, in IPL 2025, he scored 51 runs off 21 short balls, clearing the ropes five times, facing quality pacers like Prasidh Krishna, Rabada, and Avesh Khan.

ODI Improvements Mirror T20 Form

This resurgence extends to ODIs too. From averaging 31 at SR 104 against short balls until Dec 2023, he now averages 120 at SR 140 in the last 15 months. His match-winning knock against Will O’Rourke in the Champions Trophy 2025 showcased his range—pull, loft, and hook in one over.

Reviving the Spin Game—A Crucial Middle-Order Skill

Less noticed but equally vital is Iyer's renewed aggression against spin—particularly away spin. Once dismissed repeatedly by leg-spinners and left-arm orthodox bowlers (16 times to leg-spin from 2018–22), he now averages 101 against such bowlers since IPL 2024.

Spin stats improvement:

Strike Rate vs away spin: 144.28 (up from 122.91)

Boundary %: 19.28% (up from 13.14%)

Dismissals: Just 1 since 2024

He’s now using the crease smartly, attacking in front of square, and effectively using his reach and timing—particularly off the front foot.

Leadership at Punjab and National Team Ambitions

Now leading Punjab Kings with coach Ricky Ponting, Shreyas is not just a captain but a vital middle-order batter—especially in a lineup short on left-handers and quality spin players. If this form continues, it could make him a legitimate contender for India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad.