Shreyas Iyer stands on the brink of a significant personal achievement in ODI cricket. The Indian vice-captain requires only 34 runs to reach the 3000-run mark in the format. He could accomplish this milestone during the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday.
Chasing a Fast Landmark
If Iyer scores those runs, he will reach 3000 ODI runs in just 69 innings. This would make him one of the quickest Indian batters to achieve this feat. Currently, Shikhar Dhawan holds the record for the fastest Indian, reaching 3000 runs in 72 innings. Virat Kohli follows closely, having taken 75 innings to get there.
Iyer's potential achievement places him in elite company globally. He would join West Indies legend Viv Richards as the joint-fourth fastest batter overall to reach 3000 ODI runs. The all-time record belongs to South Africa's Hashim Amla, who needed only 57 innings.
Strong Return to Form
Iyer made a confident return to international cricket in the series opener against New Zealand. He scored a fluent 49 runs from 47 balls, helping India chase down a target of 301 runs. This performance marked a reassuring comeback after an injury layoff.
The right-handed batter suffered an injury during the third ODI against Australia on October 25, 2025. This forced him to miss the subsequent home series against South Africa. Iyer worked his way back to fitness through the BCCI Centre of Excellence program.
He demonstrated his readiness with strong performances for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These displays earned him his place back in the national side.
Evolution into a Key Player
Since making his ODI debut in 2017, Shreyas Iyer has developed steadily. He has transformed from a promising talent into a mainstay of India's playing eleven. His growing importance is reflected in his role as vice-captain, making him a key member of the leadership group.
Iyer's consistent performances in the middle order have made him one of India's most reliable batters in ODI cricket. His approach combines solid technique with aggressive intent, making him a valuable asset in the team's batting lineup.
The upcoming match presents not just an opportunity for team success but also a chance for Iyer to cement his place in cricket history. Fans will watch closely as he steps onto the field, knowing he carries the weight of potential record-breaking achievement.
