Sunil Gavaskar has praised Shreyas Iyer's match-winning century against the West Indies, describing the India captain's unbeaten 102 as a timely response to questions surrounding his recent batting form. Iyer produced his maiden T20I hundred during India's successful chase of 172, guiding the team to an eight-wicket victory. His innings combined control with a dramatic late acceleration and provided a decisive contribution in the first T20I of the series. Iyer reached his half-century from 28 deliveries before shifting gears significantly during the closing stages of the chase. He scored his next 52 runs from just 15 balls to finish unbeaten on 102, turning what had been a competitive chase into a comfortable victory for India.
His aggressive strokeplay also underlined his ability to increase the scoring rate without compromising the team's position in the chase. The century came at a significant moment for Iyer, who has faced scrutiny over his consistency and role in India's limited-overs setup. Gavaskar viewed the performance as an important statement from the India captain. According to the former India batter, Iyer's innings effectively answered the recent questions about his batting form and demonstrated the value of giving him an extended opportunity. The century also strengthened Iyer's position as an important part of India's middle order, particularly with the team looking to establish a settled combination in the T20I format.
His ability to remain unbeaten while completing the chase added further weight to Gavaskar's assessment. The former India captain also called for patience with Sanju Samson following the opener's early dismissal in the first T20I. Samson's failure to make a significant contribution could renew discussions about his position in the playing XI, particularly with teenage batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also part of the wider conversation around India's options. Gavaskar, however, argued that Samson should retain his place for the ongoing series rather than being replaced immediately after one low score.
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Gavaskar's comments underline the importance of judging players over a series rather than reacting to an isolated performance. Samson has been given opportunities at the international level, but his position has periodically been subject to competition from other wicketkeeper-batters and emerging players. Sooryavanshi's emergence has added another potential option for India's future, but Gavaskar believes Samson deserves a longer run to demonstrate his consistency. The first T20I's result also gives India some room to assess individual performances without the immediate pressure of having to overhaul the combination after one match.
Iyer's unbeaten 102 ultimately became the defining performance of the opening T20I, with his acceleration ensuring that India's chase of 172 ended with eight wickets in hand. His century not only secured a strong start to the series but also provided the India captain with a significant personal milestone in the format. Gavaskar's backing of both Iyer and Samson reflects a preference for continuity, with the former India batter suggesting that players should be given sufficient opportunities to establish themselves. The focus now shifts to the remaining matches, where Iyer will look to build on his century and Samson will have another opportunity to answer questions about his place in the side.
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