Shreyas Iyer smashes 130* in SMAT 2024-25, strengthening his IPL 2025 mega auction case. Will he be the most sought-after player in Jeddah?
Shreyas Iyer Makes Headlines with SMAT 2024-25 Heroics
Shreyas Iyer is proving to be one of the greatest assets to the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. The Mumbai captain proved his class with a sparkling 130 not out off just 57 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25. This mind-bending knock sets him right in contention for the IPL auction that happens at Jeddah.
Mumbai amassed a whopping 250 runs in their innings; Shreyas played the anchor and aggressor, smashing 10 sixes and 11 fours. His ability to adapt, lead, and dominate makes him a prized player for IPL franchises.
The Knock That Could Redefine IPL 2025 Auctions
Shreyas walked out early, and Mumbai was at 9/1 in 1.1 overs after the fall of Angkrish Raghuvanshi. With Prithvi Shaw as his partner, he steadied the ship and then went on to unleash his fury on the bowlers.
Shreyas stood very firm, while Mumbai reached a huge total despite losing crucial wickets, including that of Ajinkya Rahane. His innings clearly showed his ability to power hit, something critics have often doubted him on. Others in the tournament couldn't overshadow this performance, and IPL franchises are keen to sign him.
Why Shreyas Iyer is the Perfect Captaincy Candidate
Shreyas Iyer is the perfect 29-year-old to lead the IPL team for the next five years. He has already proved himself by first guiding Delhi Capitals to the very first final in the history of the team in 2020 and winning the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders; there isn't any better credential for leadership than this.
Let's look at why he's a top captaincy prospect:
Proven Leadership: Led DC to finals and currently is leading KKR very successfully.
Versatile Batter: A solid middle-order player who can be an anchor or a liberator.
Calm Under Pressure: His temperament makes him a steadying influence in crunch situations.
Long-term Vision: At 29, he's the ideal age to build your team around for the future.
Teams like PBKS, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and even his former franchise KKR are in dire need of a stable leader.
What Makes Shreyas Iyer Stand Out?
Apart from captaincy, his batting skills in T20s are consistent and flexible, making him valuable for every scenario:
Power Game: His 130* in SMAT 2024-25 is a testament to the improvement he has seen while hitting sixes.
Play Against Spin and Pace: He is a master at handling both, and under any condition, he can be banked upon.
Match-Winners: Whether chasing big scores or setting them up, Shreyas does not disappoint.
With his SMAT heroics coming just ahead of the IPL auction, it won't be surprising to see him trigger a bidding war, probably crossing ₹15 crore.
Franchises Eyeing Shreyas Iyer
Several IPL teams are likely to engage in a fierce battle for Shreyas' signature:
Delhi Capitals: With Rishabh Pant's availability uncertain, DC could turn to their former skipper.
Punjab Kings: A team known for instability, PBKS needs a steady leader.
Lucknow Super Giants: After KL Rahul dipped in form, Shreyas could be a face for them.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Franchise looks for a successor to Virat Kohli
Kolkata Knight Riders: Bringing Shreyas back could be the game-changer for KKR
IPL 2025: What's in Store for Shreyas Iyer?
With the performance shown by Shreyas Iyer in SMAT 2024-25, the IPL franchises have received a clear message. The way he leads, anchors, and dominates T20 cricket is one reason why such an enticing player is keenly eyed for IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
Whether he wears the captain's hat or provides a much-needed impetus for the middle order, one thing is certain – Shreyas Iyer is ready to rock a franchise that manages to secure him.
