Shreyas Iyer: Drive to play Test cricket is still there, or else I would have given a reason and sat out

While Iyer has led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title and been a part of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy title, he has also had to face the ignominy of losing his place in the Test team and being stripped of a BCCI central contract.

Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer in action on second day of the Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra at MCA BKC ground on Saturday. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI/The Hindu

Towards the end of 2023, Shreyas Iyer was on a high, courtesy of a smashing World Cup performance after recovering from a back injury that required surgery. However, his 2024 season has been a topsy-turvy one so far.

While he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to the Indian Premier League title and was part of Mumbai’s title-winning squad in the Ranji Trophy, he also had to face the ignominy of losing his place in the Test team after being stripped of a central contract by the BCCI.

On Saturday, after ending a 35-month drought of a First-Class hundred, Shreyas interacted with the media.

Excerpts:

The long wait is over...

Yes. It feels special. Coming back after a very long time, I was obviously feeling a bit down with my injuries. Now, getting a century after such a long time is a great feeling overall.

Will it help in setting you up for a Test comeback?

I am absolutely keen for a comeback, but yes, as we say, control the controllables, keep performing and participating as much as possible, and ensure that the body is in the best shape. So, I will make the best possible decision accordingly.

How did you approach your innings?

Nowadays, teams immediately set up a defensive field from ball one. I was just trying to take some time in between and play more balls than scoring shots. That was my plan — play session by session and try to see how much my body can take.

READ | Shreyas Iyer scores 142 as Mumbai remains in firm control against Maharashtra

What has changed post-surgery? Is the fear of a recurrence still around?

Not anymore. The surgery happened last year; after that, I played the Asia Cup, World Cup, and many other matches. There was a phase when I felt it might occur again, but I trained a lot to ensure that I have optimal fitness. Obviously, it comes and goes, but my capacity has improved significantly.

What changes have you made to your training regimen?

I improved my long-distance running. I wanted to increase my patience in terms of the longer format, and I was still undergoing intensive training. I was pushing my body to its limits to ensure I achieved the best fitness possible.

You had some issues after standing for long periods...

Yes. Even when I sit or stand for long periods, my back used to tighten up and stiffen automatically.

Are there any ongoing back issues you need to be cautious of?

No, it’s completely fine.

In 2023, the focus was mainly on injury rehab and the World Cup. Do you think, in 2024, you have been a victim of perception when it comes to the longer format?

I addressed my feelings in the long interview, and things didn’t go my way, but I’m in a good space right now. I’m doing what I’m meant to do — training and playing matches consistently. I feel that all the matches I have played recently have helped me reach that fitness level, along with my training programme. This is my seventh (sixth) match in a row, and yes, the body has taken a lot of load. At the same time, we need to manage things here and there and ensure we strategise regarding how I play.

Do you have any inhibition about batting for long periods if required?

I have to be smart about the decisions I make and ensure that my body is in the best shape possible. Regardless of what people think, I have to listen to my body because I know the amount of strain I have carried over the last few years. Based on that, I will make the right decision, and I hope my team will support me.

Does the drive to wear the white jersey still remain?

Absolutely. That’s why I have been playing, or else I would have given a reason and sat out.

How challenging is it to curb your natural instinct and play defensively?

Yes, it is challenging, but when I played a few matches in the past, I realised that while I can smash every ball, I also have to bat longer if I want my body to be ready for any situation posed by the opposition. We have faced many challenges in the past. Even in the previous match against Baroda, they gave us a rank turner, and they performed brilliantly, putting us under pressure. So, different occasions demand different approaches, and we must ensure we are in the best mindset possible.

How do you see the match situation? Ruturaj seems to have started well for Maharashtra...

He has been batting phenomenally. He is a great timer of the ball, and it’s just a matter of one wicket. Once the ball starts to turn, which I hope it will from Sunday onwards (because even when we were batting, the odd ball was turning), we might get some signs from the pitch. I hope we can bowl them out tomorrow.

What was more challenging for you while batting: the bowling or the conditions?

I don’t want to sound rude, but I feel that they bowled decently. The way Ayush batted, he took the momentum away from the rest of the bowlers, and they were a bit down. For me, just taking singles became easier.

Would you refer to 2024 as a year of mixed feelings or a year of learning?

I have been learning every year. Something or the other has been happening, but when you win three championships (Ranji Trophy, IPL, and Irani Cup) in a year, what else can you ask for? All I see are the positives here, and that is winning trophies. That’s what I aim for.

A word on Ayush Mhatre, the promising opener?

Yes, a tremendous talent. The energy and attitude he has shown today in the game, batting for so long and then fielding at short-leg and silly point, demonstrate the character of the player. To participate fully and give his all for the team is impressive. I’m sure if we get them all out tomorrow, he would be the player of the match.