Shreyas Iyer couldn't play the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 due to a shoulder injury. Delhi Capitals (DC), who were led by Rishabh Pant, must now be pleased to see him back on the field ahead of the IPL 2021's second phase in UAE.
Iyer is currently gearing up for the tournament after completely recovering from the injury and he is keen to fulfill an unfinished dream of winning his maiden IPL title with the Capitals.
“Unfortunately, IPL had to be stopped mid-season, but it has presented me with the opportunity again and I will, as a player and as someone who understands the DNA of our team, will do everything in my role to see the dream of our fans come true,” Shreyas, who led DC to their first IPL final in 2020, told PTI in an exclusive chat.
He gave a diplomatic answer when asked if he will have to play under Pant’s leadership in the UAE-leg of IPL.
“I would reckon our first half performance this season is a result of the environment we had created in 2019 and 2020. Last year, we came so close to winning IPL,” Iyer said.
“Over the last two years, we have transformed DC into a warrior side. That has come from the system and process we had put in place and thanks to the management in trusting my abilities to be able to deliver for the team,” he added.
Shreyas Iyer feels he has become a more astute cricketer after becoming Delhi’s captain in the IPL.
“Captaincy at Delhi Capitals has made me a better cricketer. I look at things, situations, the sport differently. It has improved my temperamental skills, my man management skills as a leader. Ricky Ponting has been very supportive on that,” he said.
During the remainder of IPL 2021, Shreyas would also have his eyes set on the T20 World Cup squad, where he would probably compete with Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan for a place.
“Competition has always been in Indian cricket and will always be. It is a competitive sport after all. But for me, it won’t be an understatement to say that I have a bigger appetite now,” Iyer said.
However, he made it clear that he is not competing with anyone.
“Look, my competition has always been with myself. It’s You vs You. It has worked out well for me in the past, for how I have played this sport so far, and I have no reason to doubt myself that I can’t repeat and achieve that again and more.”
“I want to keep going beyond my abilities. I want to see that transition happening every day. That’s how I see myself and I enjoy throwing these challenges.”
Talking about his fitness, Shreyas informed that he achieved full match fitness two weeks back and is now raring to go.
“I have attained 100 percent fitness two weeks back. No concerns whatsoever. I feel very comfortable, fresh and I’m in a good mind space. I was completely focused on my daily process and thankfully it has worked out well for me. This (surgery) was something I had to do, and I am happy that I can now move forward,” he said.
“It’s about gaining the strength. I feel 100 percent . I had the opportunity to arrive in Dubai a few days ahead of my team, and thankfully played a few practices matches with UAE National team. It’s all coming together nicely.”
(With PTI inputs)
