**Shreyas Iyer vs Ricky Ponting: A Statistical Comparison After 71 ODIs**
Team India batter Shreyas Iyer is a key member of the Men in Blue ODI squad, currently touring Australia for a three-match series. The right-handed batter was dismissed cheaply in the first one-dayer at Perth Stadium on Sunday, October 19, scoring just 11 off 24 balls after gloving a short ball from Josh Hazlewood to the keeper.
India’s next ODI in the series against Australia is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, at the Adelaide Oval. The visitors will be hoping for a much improved performance from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper, who has been named India’s vice-captain for this series. Shreyas’s technique and performance against the short ball will once again be under close scrutiny.
So far, Shreyas has featured in 71 ODIs. Ahead of the second match in Adelaide, we compare his stats after 71 games with those of Aussie legend and PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, who had also played exactly 71 ODIs at a similar stage in his career.
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### Runs and Batting Average After 71 ODIs
In his 71 ODIs, Shreyas Iyer has amassed 2,856 runs at an impressive average of 47.60 and a strike rate of 99.54. Notably, he has scored 611 runs in 10 matches against New Zealand at a staggering average of 67.80. Against South Africa, Shreyas has compiled 422 runs in 11 games, averaging 52.75.
However, his record against Australia is comparatively modest. In 13 ODIs versus the hosts, he has scored 330 runs at an average of 27.50.
In contrast, after 71 ODIs, Ricky Ponting had accumulated 2,522 runs at an average of 40.03 with a strike rate of 72.91. He scored 514 runs in 12 matches against Sri Lanka at an average of 51.40, along with 420 runs in 11 matches against New Zealand at an average of 60.00. Against India, Ponting had scored 332 runs in 10 ODIs at an average of 33.20.
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### Hundreds Scored After 71 ODIs
Shreyas has registered five hundreds and 22 fifties in his first 71 ODI appearances. His highest score is an unbeaten 128 off 94 balls against the Netherlands in Bengaluru during the 2023 World Cup, featuring 10 fours and five sixes. Among his other centuries, two have come against New Zealand, and one each against Australia and South Africa.
Ricky Ponting also had five centuries and 14 half-centuries after 71 matches. His best innings at this stage was 145 off 158 balls against Zimbabwe in Delhi in April 1998, which included 18 fours and a six. His other four hundreds were scored against New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.
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### Performance in Wins After 71 ODIs
Shreyas has been part of 45 winning matches for India. In these victories, he has scored 2,044 runs at an outstanding average of 56.77 and a strike rate of 104.12, including four centuries and 16 fifties.
In contrast, in 21 matches India lost, Shreyas scored 726 runs at an average of 34.57 with a strike rate of 89.07.
Ricky Ponting participated in 42 wins with Australia after his first 71 ODIs, scoring 1,537 runs at an average of 43.91 and a strike rate of 74.03, including two hundreds and 11 half-centuries. Interestingly, three of Ponting’s five centuries at this stage came in matches Australia lost.
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### Away Record After 71 ODIs
Of Shreyas’s 71 ODIs, 30 were played away from home, where he scored 1,014 runs at an average of 39.00 and a strike rate of 94.76, including one century and nine fifties. At neutral venues, he has 257 runs from seven matches with an average of 42.83 and a strike rate of 81.58. In 34 home games, he scored 1,585 runs at a robust average of 56.60, with four centuries and 11 half-centuries.
Ricky Ponting played 20 away matches in his first 71 ODIs, scoring 573 runs at an average of 38.20 and a strike rate of 72.34, with one century and two fifties. In 20 neutral venue matches, he accumulated 756 runs at an average of 37.80 and a strike rate of 73.54, with two hundreds and four half-centuries. At home, Ponting scored 1,193 runs in 31 matches, averaging 42.60 with two hundreds.
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### Conclusion
Comparing Shreyas Iyer’s performance after 71 ODIs with Ricky Ponting’s stats at the same stage highlights the right-handed Indian batter’s impressive consistency and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in victories and home conditions. While Ponting had a lower strike rate and batting average overall, his record in crucial matches remains commendable.
As Shreyas looks to improve his performance in Australia, especially against short-pitched bowling, this statistical comparison underscores his potential to reach the heights of one of cricket’s modern greats. Fans and selectors alike will be keenly watching his progress in the upcoming ODI matches.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/shreyas-iyer-vs-ricky-ponting-comparing-stats-71-odis