Shreyas Iyer showcased exceptional skill under pressure, playing a crucial role in India's four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI. Coming in at a precarious 19/2, Iyer exhibited remarkable poise, scoring a fluent 59 runs off just 36 deliveries against the English bowling attack. His batting was characterized by a blend of aggression and precision, ensuring that India's pursuit remained steady despite early challenges.

In a vital partnership with Shubman Gill, which yielded 94 runs, Iyer took on the responsibility of accelerating the innings while Gill anchored the other end. His shot selection was flawless, and his ability to locate gaps effortlessly kept the scoreboard moving.

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, impressed by Iyer’s performance, described it as the “best” ODI innings of his career, despite Iyer having previously scored several centuries in the format.

"Not only was he effective, but he was exceptionally good. His innings was of the highest quality; he made no mistakes. While it may not have been a large hundred, it stands out as his best one-day innings that I have witnessed," Manjrekar remarked to ESPNCricinfo.

Iyer’s innate stroke play and aggressive mindset ensured that India maintained control throughout the match. His innings concluded when Jacob Bethell dismissed him LBW, but by that point, he had already inflicted considerable damage on the opposition.

"This was quintessential Shreyas Iyer, responding adeptly to high-quality bowling. He appears to have developed a refined backfoot game. Although he has always been a backfoot player, he previously had a tendency to open up, which he seems to have corrected. You witnessed a variety of shots, including many orthodox ones," Manjrekar further commented.

Manjrekar credits domestic cricket

Manjrekar attributes Iyer's success to domestic cricket, noting that his experiences playing for Mumbai have significantly honed his technique, underscoring the vital role of domestic competitions in a player's development.

The manner in which he batted today demonstrated a remarkable technique and precision in ball striking, resembling a finely tuned machine. If participation in domestic cricket has enabled him to find his rhythm, then the ongoing debates regarding prominent players opting out of domestic competitions are exemplified by this case, as noted by Manjrekar during the discussion.

He further remarked, "Shreyas Iyer's performance clearly indicates that there is a significant link between his success and his involvement in those domestic matches."

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