Shreyas Iyer finally managed to keep his place in India National Cricket Team based on his strong performances in domestic cricket. Iyer was dropped from the Indian team and even removed from the BCCI central contract following his initial refusal to play domestic matches.
However, after warning from the BCCI and Indian selectors, the middle-order batsman appeared 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 team.
It's irritating: Shreyas Iyer criticized the short ball after claiming his place in India
Shreyas Iyer was recently named in India's ODI squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England at home as well as for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ahead of his much-awaited return to India, the Mumbai batsman reflected on several aspects of his game.
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Well, Shreyas Iyer dismissed the constant talk about his weakness to short deliveries, saying he can't take advice from someone who has never faced 150 kmph lightning. He also labeled the discussion as merely irritating.
Shreyas Iyer was quoted by the Indian Express as saying, “It's irritating, especially when it comes to people who haven't faced the 150km per hour delivery advising you to play a certain way. But I would say that it is 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 'game changing' knock at ODI World Cup 2023
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old also reflected on his extraordinary campaign during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he amassed 530 runs in 11 innings. His stellar 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” shot for him.
Talking about his favorite innings in the ODI World Cup 2023, the Indian batsman explained, “The 82 against Sri Lanka. Because there was a lot of talk about leaving the team and that I don't offer much for the team. Even though I had scored a 50 against Pakistan, there were talks that put me in a terrible situation.”
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He continued, “This kind of discussion stimulated my inner instinct. I just wanted to give 110 percent. And in that game, I decided I was going to ignore my instincts and go all out. No looking back. I'm impressed with the way I played in that game. I became my own fan after that. It was a game-changing innings, especially at the World Cup.”
Shreyas Iyer shares his batting approach as he prepares for his return to India
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer also shared his approach to tackle different conditions. He emphasized the need to adapt to the situation and condition. The Mumbai batsman further explained how the variable bounce on some pitches requires adjustments in position and trigger movements rather than grip.
Furthermore, 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 ensure he has a clear mindset before going out to bat.
However, Iyer said that any plan may not always work, but he always steps on 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.