New Zealand vs India 2020, 1st ODI: Top 3 performers of the match

2. Shreyas Iyer (103 runs, 107 balls, 4x11, 6x10)

Shreyas Iyer proved his worth at no.4

After trying Rishabh Pant at No. 4 for a long time, India finally decided to promote Shreyas Iyer to the crucial position a couple of months ago. And with today's innings, Iyer has justified the team management's decision.

India lost both their openers in quick succession and were in a spot of bother at 54-2 in 8.4 overs. But Iyer did not allow the pressure to build and took his time to settle in. Along with Virat Kohli (51 runs off 63 balls), he shouldered the responsibility of taking the Indian innings forward; the duo added 102 runs (120 balls) for the 3rd wicket, putting India in a commanding position.

While Iyer took 66 balls to reach his fifty, he soon shifted gears and hit three boundaries off Tim Southee in the 40th over to get to his maiden hundred in 101 balls. The masterful innings comprised 11 fours and a six, which proved to be the backbone of India's innings.

Although Iyer could not extend his innings further as he got out for 103 while trying to accelerate the scoring rate, he did his job well to help India post a decent total.