New Delhi – As Shreyas Iyer prepares to take the field in the second One Day International against new Zealand this Wednesday, he stands on the cusp of a remarkable achievement. The Indian vice-captain is just 34 runs away from reaching 3000 runs in ODI cricket,a milestone that would solidify his position as a key player in the Indian middle order. This is a notably exciting moment for fans,as Iyer’s journey exemplifies dedication and resilience.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
The Race to 3000: Iyer’s Notable Trajectory
Currently, the record for the fastest Indian to reach 3000 ODI runs is held by Shikhar Dhawan, who accomplished the feat in 72 innings. Virat Kohli closely follows, having taken 75 innings to reach the same landmark.However, Iyer is poised to potentially surpass both these remarkable batsmen. If he scores the required 34 runs on Wednesday, he will reach 3000 runs in a mere 69 innings.
Iyer demonstrated his return to form in the series opener on Sunday, scoring a confident 49 runs off 47 balls during India’s prosperous chase of a 301-run target. This performance was particularly important given his recent recovery from an injury sustained during the ODI against Australia in October 2025. The injury forced him to sit out the subsequent series against South Africa, making his comeback all the more impressive.
I’ve found that a player’s ability to bounce back from setbacks often defines their career, and Iyer’s journey is a testament to that. He diligently worked on his recovery at the BCCI Center of Excellence,and then showcased his readiness with strong performances for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
A Steadfast Rise in ODI Cricket
Since his ODI debut in 2017, Iyer has consistently developed into a vital component of the Indian batting lineup. He’s not only become a reliable middle-order batsman but has also emerged as a key figure within the team’s leadership structure. His adaptability and composure under pressure have been instrumental in several crucial victories for India.
Should Iyer achieve this milestone, he will join West Indies legend Viv Richards as the joint-fourth fastest player globally to reach 3000 ODI runs. The all-time record remains with South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who reached the landmark in just 57 innings. This context highlights just how significant Iyer’s potential achievement would be.