Shreyas Iyer has finally managed to retain his place in the Indian National Cricket Team due to his strong performances in domestic cricket. Iyer was withdrawn from the Indian team and even removed from the central BCCI contract after his initial refusal to play domestic matches.
However, after being warned by the BCCI and the Indian selectors, the middle-order batsman featured for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 and the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, and regained his place in India’s ODI squad.
It’s Upsetting: Shreyas Iyer on Small Ball Criticism After India Regain Place
Shreyas Iyer was recently named in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England at home as well as the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ahead of his much-anticipated return to India, the Mumbai batsman reflected many aspects of his game.
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Well, Shreyas Iyer has dismissed the constant chatter about his weakness against short-pitched deliveries, saying he can’t take advice from someone who has never faced lightning at 150 kmph. He also characterized the chatter as merely irritating.
Shreyas Iyer was quoted as saying by the Indian Express: “It’s irritating, especially when it comes from people who haven’t faced a 150 km per hour delivery, advising you to play a certain way. But I’d say it’s their opinion. They have every right to talk, but they can talk to each other, not directly to the player.”
Shreyas Iyer reflects on his ‘struck’ ‘game’ in ODI World Cup 2023
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old also reflected on his outstanding campaign during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he amassed 530 runs in 11 innings. His impressive performances included two centuries and three fifties, but his brilliant knock of 82 runs against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium was his favourite. Iyer said it was a game-changing hit for him.
Talking about his favorite innings in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Indian batsman explained: “The 82 against Sri Lanka. Because there was a lot of talk about me being removed from the team and that I don’t offer much for the team. Even though I had scored 50 against Pakistan, there were some discussions that put me in an unexpected situation.”
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He continued, “That kind of talk strengthened my instincts from within. I just wanted to give my 110 percent. And in that game, I decided I’d go with my instincts and go full throttle. Not looking back. I’m impressed with the way I played in this game. I became a fan of myself after that. It was a game-changer, especially in the World Cup.”
Shreyas Iyer shares his approach to batting as he prepares for a return to India
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer also shared his approach to dealing with different conditions. He emphasized the need to adapt to the situation and circumstances. The Mumbai batsman further explained how the variable bounce on some pitches requires adjustments to the stance and trigger movements, rather than the grip.
Additionally, Iyer revealed that he practices these adjustments both on the field and during shadow practice in his room. The Indian middle-order batsman also added that he always focuses on preparing specific plans for different types of wickets to make sure he has a clear mindset before going out to bat.
However, Iyer said that every plan may not always work, but he always enters the field with a clear strategy in mind. He will be seen in action for the Men in Blue in the upcoming ODI series against England next month.
