Shreyas Iyer on Friday became the 16th Indian to score a century on Test debut during the second day of the first encounter against New Zealand at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. 

The 26-year-old scored 105 runs from 171 deliveries, including 13 fours and two sixes, to help India surpass the 300-run mark in the first innings. 

Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for the Mumbai-born batsman with both fans and experts expressing their delight. 

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“Delighted for #ShreyasIyer. His talent was never in doubt since we first saw him at that 2014 U19 World Cup. This is proof now that he has the temperament to do it at this level. Keeps the game moving, isn’t afraid to play the big shots. Good modern player,” commentator Harsha Bhogale said in a tweet. 

VVS Laxman said it was a “magnificent innings under pressure” from Iyer. “Showed great maturity, composure and class and becomes the 16th Indian to Score Century on Test Debut. Well Played @ShreyasIyer15 . Many more to come !”

Wasim Jaffer shared a meme to congratulate Iyer on his century:

Here are some more reactions:

Meanwhile, India won the toss and chose to bat. Kyle Jamieson dismissed the opening pair of Mayank Agarwal (13) and Shubman Gill (52). New Zealand captain Tim Southee removed Cheteshwar Pujara (26) before Iyer walked in. 

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Indian captain Rahane (35) played a Jamieson delivery onto his stumps, following which Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja (50) stitched a 121-run partnership for the fifth wicket. 

The partnership was broken when Jadeja played a Southee delivery onto his stumps. The Kiwi captain struck again soon to dismisss wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, who edged a delivery for Tom Blundell to catch behind the stumps. 

Iyer’s innings ended after he drove a length delivery from Southee straight to cover. Southee also dismissed Axar Patel (3) to complete his fifer.