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Just 23 Runs Away… Shreyas Iyer Set To Break Shikhar Dhawan’s Elite ODI Record In Afghanistan Clash
India’s newly-appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer stands on the verge of a major batting milestone and could become the fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Dharamsala.
History Beckons For Shreyas Iyer In Dharamsala
Indian batting star Shreyas Iyer will have more than just a match-winning role on his mind when he takes the field against Afghanistan in the opening ODI of the three-match series on June 13.
The Mumbai batter is just 23 runs short of the 3,000-run milestone in One Day Internationals, and achieving that mark could see him rewrite the Indian record books.
Having accumulated 2,977 runs from 76 ODIs, Iyer enters the contest with a golden opportunity to become the fastest Indian batter ever to score 3,000 ODI runs.
A Record Currently Held By Shikhar Dhawan
At present, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan holds the national record for reaching the landmark fastest, having completed 3,000 ODI runs in 72 innings.
Iyer has played 70 ODI innings so far, meaning that if he crosses the 23-run mark against Afghanistan, he will surpass Dhawan’s achievement and set a new Indian benchmark.
The feat would further underline Iyer’s consistency and importance in India’s middle order over the last few years.
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A Crucial Figure In India’s ODI Setup
The 31-year-old has emerged as one of India’s most dependable white-ball batters. Known for his ability to handle pressure situations and accelerate when needed, Iyer has become a vital part of India’s ODI plans.
His ODI numbers reflect that consistency:
- Matches: 76
- Innings: 70
- Runs: 2,977
- Highest Score: 128*
- Average: 46.51
- Strike Rate: 98.57
- Centuries: 5
- Half-Centuries: 23
These statistics place him among the most productive Indian batters of the current generation.
Fresh Leadership Responsibility
The upcoming match also carries additional significance for Iyer personally. Recently appointed as India’s T20I captain, he has stepped into a bigger leadership role for the national side.
While the Afghanistan series is an ODI assignment, strong performances will only strengthen his position as one of the senior figures in India’s white-ball setup.
Expected to bat at No. 4, Iyer will have ample opportunity to reach the milestone if he settles at the crease.
Global Record Still Belongs To Hashim Amla
While Iyer is chasing an Indian record, the overall world record remains in the hands of former South African batting great Hashim Amla.
The elegant right-hander completed 3,000 ODI runs in just 57 innings, a mark that remains one of the most remarkable achievements in ODI cricket history.
However, becoming the fastest Indian to the milestone would still be a significant accomplishment for Iyer and another memorable chapter in his growing international career.
All Eyes On Dharamsala
With India beginning a new ODI chapter and preparations for future ICC events gathering pace, the first ODI against Afghanistan offers both team and personal significance.
For fans, the focus will not only be on India’s performance but also on whether Shreyas Iyer can seize the moment and create history with just 23 runs.
A small score could lead to a massive milestone.
