One of the brightest batting talents in the country, Shreyas Iyer has said that it is tough to motivate yourself when you are continuously being ignored out of the playing eleven at the highest level. 

Shreyas, who made his debut for India last season in both the white-ball formats in absence of certain regular faces in the side, has not been able to get a confirmed place for himself in the playing eleven despite being a prolific run-getter at the domestic and A level. He was recently part of India's limited-overs squads for the series in England, but couldn't get a game in the T20I as well as the ODI series. 

“It is really tough to be patient. When you perform consistently, get runs and then don’t get into the (senior) team, it runs into your mind." Shreyas was quoted saying, "And, when you face quality bowling at top level, your performance keeps fluctuating. So, you need to keep yourself focused and, as I said, it affects you at times,” 

It tells you something about the health of batting talent in the country that a player like Iyer, who would walk into most International sides, isn't a substantial cog in India's wheels yet. 

Iyer has been captaining the India A side, though. He was given the responsibility to lead India A against the visiting South Africa A team in the 2-match unofficial Test series and he is happy with the home side winning it 1-0. 

Iyer, who is relishing the extra burden and said, "I really love the captaincy role. Whenever I get this role (captaincy), my character and attitude totally changes, and I see to it that I try and get the best out of myself as well as the team in pressure situations,” 

Fine, fine talent Shreyas Iyer, with a very bright future ahead of him. 

(Inputs from Indian Express)