Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a notable figure in recent times. Hailing from Mumbai, his journey to international acclaim is both intriguing and relatable. Beyond his cricketing prowess, Iyer’s life offers insights into familial bonds, personal interests, and financial endeavors.
From the Trent Bridge, to India’s Maiden Call: Shreyas Iyer’s Cricket Career
Shreyas Iyer, a name that has become synonymous with aggressive batting and impeccable leadership, has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket.
From his early days at Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Mumbai to representing India on the international stage, Iyer’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
The Early Days
Born on 6 December 1994 in Chembur, Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer’s cricketing journey began under the watchful eyes of coach Pravin Amre.
Educated at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, and Ramniranjan Anandilal Podar College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, Iyer’s talent was evident from a young age.
His teammates often compared him to the legendary Virender Sehwag, a proof to his aggressive style of play.
Domestic Dominance
Iyer’s foray into domestic cricket was marked by a series of stellar performances. Representing Trent Bridge Cricket Team in the UK, he scored a whopping 297 runs in just three matches, with a staggering average of 99.
Debut of Shreyas Iyer in the Ranji Trophy saw him amass 809 runs at an average of 50.56, making him the 7th highest scorer of the 2014-15 season.
The subsequent Ranji season saw him score 1,321 runs, becoming the top scorer and the second player ever to cross the 1,300 run mark in a single Ranji Trophy competition.
The IPL Saga
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a significant chapter in Iyer’s career. In 2015, he was signed by Delhi Daredevils for a whopping 2.6 crores, making him the highest-earning uncapped player of the tournament.
The performance of Shreyas Iyer was commendable, scoring 439 runs in 14 matches. However, it was in 2018 that Iyer truly came into his own.
Taking over the captaincy from Gautam Gambhir, he led Delhi Daredevils with aplomb, even becoming the youngest captain in the team’s IPL history.
Under his leadership, Delhi Capitals reached their maiden IPL final in 2020. In 2022, Iyer was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering ₹12.25 crores and was named the team’s captain.
International Forays
Iyer’s international career began with a bang. In 2017, he was added to India’s Test squad as cover for Virat Kohli. His T20I debut came against New Zealand in November 2017.
However, it was his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in December 2017 that truly showcased his potential, where he scored a blistering 88 off 70 balls.
His Test debut against New Zealand in November 2021 was historic, as he became the 16th Indian player to score a century in a debut test match.
His performances in the T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2022 were record-breaking, where he scored a total of 204 runs in three matches, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record.
The phenomenal performances by Shreyas Iyer, continued in the ODI series against South Africa, where he scored an unbeaten 113 off 111 balls.
Story of Shreyas Iyer Beyond the Pitch
In the bustling city of Mumbai, where dreams take flight every day, a young boy named Shreyas Santosh Iyer embarked on a journey that would not only lead him to the grand stages of international cricket but also carve a niche for him in the financial arena.
Behind the dynamic right-handed batsman lies a story of family, passion, and personal quirks. With his impeccable style, both on and off the field, the journey of Shreyas Iyer is a proof to his compelling cricketing exploits and his astute financial acumen, making him the multifaceted man he is today.
Family Ties
Born on 6th December 1994 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Shreyas hails from a Tamil Brahmin family. His father, Santosh Iyer, is a businessman with a deep-rooted love for cricket.
Santosh played cricket until his college days but never pursued it professionally. However, he saw the spark in his young son and decided to nurture it.
Recognizing the passion of Shreyas Iyer for the sport, Santosh promptly enrolled him in one of Mumbai’s finest cricket academies.
He even made the decision to switch Shreyas’s school to Don Bosco on the recommendation of coach Pravin Amre, ensuring that his son got the best opportunities to hone his skills.
Rohini Iyer, Shreyas’s mother, is the pillar of strength in his life. A homemaker by profession, she was the one who gifted Shreyas his first cricket bat. Their bond is evident in the playful banter they share, with Shreyas often teasing her about her cooking.
To motivate her son during his early cricketing days, Rohini would reward him with a pizza or burger for every century or half-century he scored.
Shresta Iyer, Shreyas’s younger sister, shares a close bond with him. A dancer and choreographer by profession, she leads the “Who Cares Dance Academy“.
The siblings often collaborate on fun videos, especially during lockdowns. Shresta is also the founder of “We Are Pawerful”, an initiative dedicated to animal welfare.
Personal Quirks and Favorites
Shreyas’s love for cricket is evident, but he also has a penchant for other sports. He enjoys watching and playing football, tennis, and golf. His favorite footballers include global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
When it comes to music, Shreyas Iyer has a diverse taste, admiring artists like Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Lil Wayne. He’s also a fan of the band Linkin Park. His favorite cricketers include the likes of AB de Villiers, and he admires tennis legend Roger Federer.
When it comes to films, Shreyas has a soft spot for “Tera Hone Laga Hoon” from ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani‘. Among actresses, he admires Hollywood stars Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson, as well as Bollywood’s Deepika Padukone.
A Man of Many Hobbies
Beyond the cricket field, Shreyas Iyer is an avid animal lover, often seen taking care of stray dogs around his home. He also has a penchant for table tennis, often indulging in friendly matches with fellow cricketers.
His favorite superhero? Superman. And when he’s not playing or practicing, Shreyas loves to travel, with Auckland being one of his favorite destinations.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2022, Shreyas Iyer’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million, which equates to approximately INR 56 crore. This impressive wealth accumulation is attributed to his IPL performances, BCCI contracts, and brand endorsements.
Specifically, as a centrally contracted player with the BCCI, Shreyas Iyer holds a Grade B contract, which fetches him an annual salary of INR 3 crore. Additionally, his IPL earnings have been substantial, with him earning a whopping INR 12.25 crore.
Brand Endorsements
Shreyas Iyer’s marketability is evident from the array of brands he endorses. His youthful charm and charismatic personality make him a favorite among brands. Some of the notable brands associated with Iyer include:
- BoAt: A leading consumer electronics company in India, BoAt roped in Iyer as their brand ambassador in 2020. The campaign, “Sound of the Champions,” was targeted towards fitness and music enthusiasts.
- Google Pixel: Shreyas Iyer was part of the #daywithpixel2 ad campaign, showcasing the features of Google Pixel 2.
- Manyavar: Known for its ethnic fashion, Manyavar featured Iyer in their #Manyavarwalidiwaali campaign in 2018.
- Fresca Juices: Promoting a healthy lifestyle, Iyer endorsed Fresca Juices, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to nutrition.
- Myprotein: Advocating for fitness and body conditioning, Shreyas Iyer endorsed Myprotein, emphasizing the importance of maintaining correct levels of protein and vitamins.
- CEAT: A leading tire company, CEAT signed Iyer in 2019, and his bats prominently feature the CEAT logo.
- Dream11: As part of their IPL 2021 campaign, Shreyas Iyer was seen playing fantasy cricket, emphasizing the tagline “Team Hai Toh Mazaa Hai.”
Car Collection
Shreyas Iyer’s love for cars is evident from his impressive collection, which includes:
- Lamborghini Huracan: Valued at INR 3.75 crore, this luxury car is known for its speed and elegance.
- Audi S5: Worth INR 1 crore, Iyer’s Audi S5 is wrapped in a golden-brown color.
- Mercedes-AMG G 63 4Matic SUV: Priced at INR 2.28 crore, this SUV is the latest addition to him.
- Hyundai i20 Sportz: A more modest addition, this car is believed to be Iyer’s first car.
Real Estate
Shreyas Iyer’s real estate investments include a luxurious 2618 sq ft unit house in Mumbai, located in the same society as cricket icon Virat Kohli. This posh apartment is valued at over INR 11.85 crore.
Iyer Through Controversies
Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic cricketer and captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has been in the limelight not only for his cricketing prowess but also for a series of controversies that have stirred the cricketing world.
1. The Sourav Ganguly Remark
In 2020, during the IPL match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Iyer’s comment during the toss raised eyebrows.
He mentioned how Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and then BCCI President, along with Ricky Ponting, had guided him in becoming a mature and responsible skipper.
This led to a flurry of questions on social media, with fans pointing out the potential ‘conflict of interest’ since Ganguly was the BCCI President and not a mentor for the Capitals.
Shreyas Iyer later clarified his statement, emphasizing his gratitude towards Ganguly and Ponting for their roles in his personal growth as a captain.
2. The KKR CEO Controversy
Another controversy erupted when Iyer revealed that KKR’s CEO, Venky Mysore, was involved in team selection matters. This statement was met with criticism, as many believed that club officials should not interfere in cricketing decisions.
However, Shreyas Iyer soon made a U-turn on his statement, explaining that the CEO’s role was to console players who weren’t playing. Former KKR opener, Aakash Chopra, weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Iyer might have been pressured to change his statement.
3. The DRS Debacle
In an international fixture against the West Indies, Iyer’s dismissal became a point of contention. He was given out LBW, and a subsequent review seemed to confirm the on-field decision.
However, many fans believed that the DRS technology had been tampered with, leading to a flurry of reactions on social media, mentioning Shreyas Iyer.
4. Personal Life Speculations
In 2023, the internet was abuzz with speculations when photos of Shreyas Iyer with Dhanashree Verma, wife of cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, surfaced online. The pictures were from an Iftaar party that Dhanashree attended, and Iyer was also present.
Netizens began speculating about their relationship, questioning why Chahal was absent. Some even criticized Iyer for missing the IPL due to injury but attending social gatherings.
FAQ - All You Need to Know About Shreyas Iyer
Who is Shreyas Iyer?
Shreyas Iyer is an Indian cricketer who has represented the national team in various formats. He has also been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), captaining teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. Known for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities, Iyer has been a key player for India in the middle order.
What was the controversy regarding Sourav Ganguly?
In 2020, while captaining Delhi Capitals, Iyer made a remark suggesting that the team's mentor, Sourav Ganguly, was involved in decision-making. Given Ganguly's position as BCCI President, this statement raised concerns. Iyer later clarified that Ganguly's role was advisory and he did not interfere with team strategies.
What speculations arose from Iyer's photos with Dhanashree Verma?
Photos of Iyer with Yuzvendra Chahal's wife, Dhanashree Verma, led to speculations about their relationship. The fact that Iyer was absent from IPL 2023 due to an injury, while these photos circulated, added fuel to the rumors.
