Shreyas Iyer’s recent IPL innings set an example of selflessness in T20 cricket. He was one hit away from hitting his first IPL century, but he chose not to keep the strike and instead concentrated on what was better for the team. Iyer's decision illustrates the attitude of T20 cricket: get as many runs as possible without caring about putting personal goals.

Aakash Chopra brought out what Iyer did differently, contrasting it with how players in the modern game have used the opportunity of getting set to change the course of the game for themselves. The lesson, as always, in a short, fast-paced version of the game like T20 is that it is always better to look out for the bigger picture. The importance of individual achievement should come after the team’s.

Iyer was only one hit away from his first IPL century. Didn’t get the strike thereafter. Didn’t ask for it either. And it’s set a nice example for everyone.
T20 cricket is all about maximising every ball…whoever is hitting, keeps hitting. No personal milestones are bigger than…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 26, 2025

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The game as such has witnessed the sad picture of players in the chases, slowing down in an attempt to reach set milestones, and there are so many attempts made, but what came out was the best team-oriented result. Iyer’s innings is strikingly typical and doesn’t reflect that simplistic ethos of cricket, where every run scored is deemed to be better than a personal milestone. His decision to not engage in strike farming indicates the mindset of the wearer of the modern game: wider game picture thinking.

Chopra didn’t name names; however, it sparked a whole new debate about younger players, most especially more experienced players who the statement was about, and whether the whole “farming the strike” debate is really about Kohli and other senior players.

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Regardless of comparisons, Iyer’s act of putting the team first is a commendable example for upcoming cricketers. It reinforces that while centuries are celebrated, true greatness lies in playing selfless cricket that benefits the entire team.