While Shreyas Iyer has received medical clearance from NCA to take part in the IPL 2024 season, there are concerns remain over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper’s fitness as he has been cautioned against excessive lunging during the forward defense.
Notably, Iyer was sidelined for the final two days of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha last week due to reoccurrence of his back problem. He also missed last year’s IPL due to the same injury and Nitish Rana had to step in as KKR captain in his absence.
Ahead of KKR’s IPL 2024 opener against SRH on March 23, however, Shreyas Iyer said he isn’t thinking about injury and is rather focusing on the opportunities ahead.
"I don't want to think about what the doctor has said, what the injury was because, as I mentioned previously, when you over-think, put your focus on the injury, and in that moment, forget about what you're doing the best. So, I want to put all these things aside and focus on what's there for me on the plate," Iyer told reporters on the eve of the match.
"I have ticked the boxes in every way possible so I am in high spirits. Right now, if I look at myself, I feel that I'm in the best shape possible. I played so many years in the IPL so it's not that I am completely distant from it. Personally, my preparation has been top-notch," he added.
"I've been doing my training regularly, I've been hitting the balls, and I've been batting for longer periods of time. So, that is something I'm thriving on," he further stated.
With the T20 World Cup 2024 around the corner, Iyer finds himself excluded from a central contract list. While the right-hander has attracted a lot of negative publicity lately, he doesn't want to dwell on those aspects.
"I'm looking forward to winning the IPL. If you would ask any captain, they would have the same mentality. And that's why you have to be in the present as much as possible."
"If you dwell too much either on past or future, I personally feel that you make a lot of mistakes. So, that's what I've learned over a period of time, that whatever is in your hand, you have to make the best use of it."
"The decision-making outside of it is not in your hand, and the more you dwell on that, the more mistakes you would be indulging in.
"So I just want to keep doing my work and see to it that I do it right. And if I even do it wrong, I want to learn from it and see to it that I don't repeat it again."
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has joined KKR as mentor for the IPL 2024. Gambhir led the Knight Riders from 2011 to 2017 and the franchise became IPL champions twice and qualified for the playoffs five times during his tenure.
"He brings a lot of inputs. Strategically strong, having won two IPLs. Knows a lot about the venue and the opposition teams. Chandu sir (head coach Chandrakant Pandit) and Gautam sir give a lot of inputs. When I talk to them in practice, I get a lot of inputs.
"I have worked with him previously in a different franchise (Delhi) and I know what his mindset is. He is a fearless guy and he gives you a lot of freedom as a captain and also as a player.
"So, I am basically honoured to be playing under him and it gives a lot of pleasure for other players as well in the team to go and express themselves with freedom.
"Boys are in high spirits, to be honest. For me, particularly coming after a year, it gives me great pleasure to be back with the team. Looking at the spirits, I am also motivated internally."
Australian speedster Mitchell Starc’s inclusion has bolstered the KKR squad. The left-arm quick was roped in for a hefty sum of INR 24.75 Crore in the auction last December, making him the most expensive buy in the history of IPL.
"Motivation is always good from the start. When Starc is in, it brings a lot of advantage. He can bowl anywhere, be it in powerplay, middle overs, or death. He carries a lot of experience. It's good for our youngsters as well," Iyer said.
(With PTI inputs)
