“Perception Was Crafted”: Shreyas Iyer Addresses Attempts to Undermine His Game and Team Position | Cricket News

Upon being removed from the BCCI’s central contract list, Shreyas Iyer has faced questions regarding his gameplay and position within the national team. The decision was seen as an effort by the BCCI to emphasize the significance of domestic cricket.

Despite the criticisms, Iyer remained resilient, drawing upon his steadfast belief in his abilities and straightforward demeanor. This has culminated in him becoming one of India’s most reliable No. 4 batters in recent years. His outstanding contribution to India’s success in the 2025 Champions Trophy, referred to as a “silent hero” by captain Rohit Sharma, is a testament to his efforts.

Reflecting on the scrutiny over his ability to play short-pitched deliveries, Iyer acknowledged the perceptions but expressed confidence in his own skills and convictions. His performance statistics support this confidence; he has averaged 53 in his last eight ODIs, solidifying his role in the team.

Iyer’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. A debilitating back injury during the home series against England led to him losing his central contract when he opted to train with the Kolkata Knight Riders instead of playing in the Ranji Trophy after recovery. Nevertheless, he led the Knight Riders to an IPL victory, showcasing a dominance that paved his path back to India’s 50-over squad.

His ability to let performance speak volumes is commendable. “I kept my process simple, avoided overthinking, and relied on my sincere efforts to create opportunities,” said Iyer, who is set to captain Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL season. This challenging period of his career has honed his skills in adapting and improving, leading to personal growth.

“I learned significantly during the difficult times, reassessed situations, and adopted new strategies,” he recalled. Iyer credits his coach Pravin Amre and trainer Sagar for aiding him in developing the power and force displayed in his batting.

With an impressive average close to 50 across 70 ODIs, Iyer declared No. 4 as his rightful position, comfortable in the role that brings out his best performances. During the Champions Trophy, Iyer excelled at rotating the strike and managing spin bowlers, benefiting from his foundational cricket experiences on Mumbai’s grassless pitches.

“I am pleased with my execution during the tournament, aiming to maintain middle-order consistency for India,” he affirmed. To mitigate burnout, Iyer embraces life’s simplicity, spending time with family and friends, exploring hobbies, and enjoying occasional breaks.

Though primarily a limited-overs asset, Iyer’s respectable Test record, including a century and five fifties in his 14 appearances, suggests his potential for future Test series, like the upcoming tour of England. However, Iyer remains focused on his immediate obligations with Punjab Kings, choosing not to speculate excessively on future selections.