Shreyas Iyer creates world record, surpasses Australian legend Ian Chappell

Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer continued his brilliant form and knocked a fine fifty against New Zealand in the third ODI match at Bay Oval on Tuesday. Iyer has now scored eight half-centuries and a hundred in 17 matches and his average reads in excess of 49. Courtesy of his latest half-century, Iyer also went past Australian legend Ian Chappell’s benchmark to set a new world record.

The 25-year-old now holds the record for best percentage of 50 plus scores in limited over cricket. Iyer has nine fifty plus scores in 16 innings in ODIs and his percentage reads 56.25. Previously the record was held by Australia’s Ian Chappell, who had eight 50 plus scores in 16 innings.

Highest percentage of 50+ scores (min. 10 innings)

56.2 (9/16): Shreyas Iyer (IND)

50.0 (8/16): Ian Chappell (AUS)

50.0 (5/10): Aaqib Ilyas (OMN)

44.5 (8/18): Anshuman Rath (HK)

43.7 (7/16): Rassie van der Dussen (SA)

The men in blue have been through dilemma to designate a permanent batsman at the key No.4 position in the past. The side has tried out with MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu in recent times but Iyer seems to have cemented his place as India’s No.4, and statistics also support these claims.

After 2017, Shreyas Iyer has recorded the best batting average among all the players who have been tried in the spot. Iyer has scored runs at an average of 56.80 which is more than Dinesh Karthik (52.80), MS Dhoni (45.00), Ambati Rayudu (42.18) and Ajinkya Rahane (35.00).

Since 2019, Shreyas Iyer also has the 5th best batting average among all the players who have batted at least 5 innings at no.4 in limited over cricket.

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