India vs New Zealand 1st ODI: Shreyas Iyer walked back onto the field carrying more than just a jersey on Sunday (January 11). Months after a freak spleen injury had sidelined him and raised quiet questions about his return, Iyer answered in the most emphatic way possible. Not with the bat, but with sheer athletic defiance.
In his first appearance for India since that October setback, Iyer turned the outfield into a stage, producing moments of fielding brilliance that swung momentum, lifted teammates and sent Indian cricket fans into raptures during the opening ODI against New Zealand. Iyer’s brilliant run-out marked by a brilliant direct hit from long-on was all the praise on social media today. Many fans also labelled Iyer as the “best and most underrated” Indian fielder in the squad.
The first innings of the opening game of New Zealand’s tour of India saw a tremendous display of talent, grit and effort from both sides. While Daryl Mitchell’s 84 propelled the Black Caps to 300/8 in their 50 overs. Indian pacers including Mohammed Siraj’s (2/40) and Prasidh Krishna (2/60) kept the New Zealand batters on their toes for the later half of the game.
Fielding masterclass from Shreyas
Returning to the field after suffering a serious injury due to a fielding accident against Australia in 2025, Iyer today left no stone unturned in proving his guts, ability and stamina on the field. Iyer’s agile movement across the field resulted in the collapse of two key wickets for New Zealand at a critical point in the game.
Some of Shreyas Iyer’s fielding moments that really captured the interests of Indian cricket fans have been posted below.
Sharp Catch: In the 34th over, Iyer took a clean, low catch at point to dismiss Glenn Phillips off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling. This crucial wicket broke a developing partnership and was met with a humorous “snake charmer” celebration from teammate Virat Kohli, a video of which was widely circulated by fans online.
Brilliant Run-Out: Later in the innings (43rd over), Iyer executed a direct hit from the long-on boundary to run out the New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell, who was looking to accelerate the scoring in the death overs. This “bullet throw” was much appreciated by commentators of the game as well.
Fans hail the ‘Sarpanch’ of PBKS
Following the conclusion of the first inning, Indian cricket fans bursted on social media platforms with praises for the Vice Captain of India’s current ODI squad.
“What a direct hit by Shreyas Iyer to get the wicket of bracewell. It’s hard to believe that this is his comeback match after recovering from a life threatening spleen injury. I mean look at the athleticism & accuracy of Sarpanch Saab,” a netizen posted on X.
“Athleticism, Energy, throw all top notch from Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer, brilliant Run Out,” another user posted.
IPL franchises also joined in on the fun. Rajasthan Royals’ official social media handle posted a warning for the blackcaps, saying that you just don’t challenge Shreyas Iyer.