He Must’ve Only Heard 100, 100, 100’: Ambati Rayudu Slams Mumbai Legends After Shreyas Iyer Sacrifices Century

He Must’ve Only Heard 100, 100, 100’: Former India cricketers heaped praise on Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for his selfless and unbeaten 97-run knock against Gujarat Titans. Despite hailing from Mumbai, a system that emphasises big scores and centuries, Iyer prioritised his team's success over personal milestones. On his debut as PBKS captain, he showcased exceptional leadership, playing a crucial role in his side's strong start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on March 25 in Ahmedabad.

With 18 balls left, Iyer could have easily farmed strike and completed his century, but the 30-year-old prioritised the team over himself instead. With Shashank Singh batting brilliantly at the other end, he let his teammate go hammer and tongs rather than keeping taking strike to himself.

Between overs 17 and 20, Iyer faced just five deliveries – two of which were wides – with Shashank doing most of the hitting. He was unbeaten on 44 off just 16 balls, powering PBKS to a daunting 243/5. And the Punjab wrapped up an 11-run win, Iyer's selflessness was lauded by the world over, but probably none more resounding than Ambati Rayudu. The former India batter challenged an entire generation of Mumbai cricketers, highlighting the importance of centuries in that region.

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“At a time like that, even as a team man, you want to give the strike to the strike to the guy close to a hundred. You've got to 225 already, and you’re thinking, ‘I want to allow my captain to get a 100'. But to get that instruction from the captain himself, saying - ‘hey, don't worry about my hundred, the balls that can be it, put it away. That's your job, that's your role. ’ That for me tells you miles and acres about what a good leader this guy (Shreyas Iyer) is. It's so important for a team like Punjab Kings,” Robin Uthappa said on Star Sports.

“Especially coming from a Bombay batsman. That’s quite a change. While growing up in Bombay, he must've only heard '100, 100, 100, 100," Rayudu said.

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Rayudu isn't entirely wrong. Mumbai is arguably the biggest hub of cricketers in India, and over the last 100 years, it has produced a plethora of decorated players. It's no rocket science that Mumbai has won the Ranji Trophy 42 times – more than any other team. From Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar to Rohit Sharma and now Iyer, Mumbai boasts a rich cricketing legacy in the annals of Indian cricket.

Iyer’s aggressive intent was evident from the start. Walking in at No. 3, he took on South African speedster Kagiso Rabada, dispatching him for a six and a four early in his innings. Traditionally known for starting slow, Iyer looked transformed. He smashed nine sixes and five fours, missing his maiden IPL century by just three runs after not getting the strike in the final over.

Shashank Singh later revealed that Iyer had urged him to go all out in the last six balls, disregarding his milestone. Shashank responded by smashing Mohammed Siraj for 24 runs.

"Yes, it was a good cameo. But looking at Shreyas, that motivated me even more. Let me be very honest - Shreyas, from ball one, said don't worry about my hundred," Shashank Singh said during the mid-innings break.

Despite strong knocks from Jos Buttler and Sai Sudharsan, Gujarat Titans fell short by 11 runs, finishing at 232/5, with Impact Player Vyshak Vijaykumar delivering a crucial spell in the death overs.

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