Shreyas Iyer's father opens up on why he did not change his WhatsApp DP featuring his son for 4 years

25th November 2021 will go down as an extremely special day in the life of Shreyas Iyer. For, on this day, the right-handed batter made his Test debut for the Indian side in the first Test match between India and New Zealand at Kanpur.

And, Iyer was handed his Test cap by legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. And, Santosh Iyer, the father of Shreyas is overjoyed upon seeing his son making his Test debut. Santosh said that Test cricket is the real deal, and he always wanted his son to feature in the whites for his country. Santosh also added that Shreyas Iyer’s mother is absolutely delighted upon seeing her son make his debut for India in Test match cricket.

“Test cricket is the real cricket. I always wanted him to play Tests. Today, that dream will come true. My wife and I are absolutely delighted,” said the senior Iyer as quoted by mid-day.

Shreyas Iyer’s father and his WhatsApp DP

Santhosh Iyer’s WhatsApp display picture shows Shreyas catching the trophy after India beat Australia 2-1 in a tightly contested Test series in the year 2017 in Dharamshala.

And now, Santhosh has opened up on why he has never changed this WhatsApp DP of his since 2017. Iyer Sr. said that this picture will remind Shreyas that playing Test cricket should be the ultimate goal in his career. Santhosh Iyer also exclaimed that he is thrilled that his son is finally wearing the whites for India.

“I have had this DP since then. I have never changed it because I always wanted to remind him that this [playing Test cricket] should be his ultimate goal. I am thrilled it’s finally happening,” said Santosh Iyer.

Santhosh Iyer also added that he told his son to keep trying for a place in the Indian Test team. Adding that he did not expect Shreyas to make his Test debut against New Zealand, Santhosh concluded by stating that it is a huge opportunity for his son to do well.

“We always wanted him to play Test cricket. I have been telling Shreyas to try for a Test spot. He always used to say that it will happen. So, that’s what has happened now. Honestly, we were not expecting it to happen against New Zealand. I will be on my toes, certainly. We expect him to perform well. It is a big opportunity since other stalwarts are not in the team,” concluded Santosh Iyer.

At tea time, the Indian scorecard reads 154/4, with Shreyas Iyer unbeaten on 17*.