India batter Shreyas Iyer’s comeback to the national team after recovering from back surgery wasn’t quite smooth during the Asia Cup 2023.
Iyer got out after scoring 14 off 9 balls in the group fixture against Pakistan while he didn’t get a chance to bat versus Nepal. The right-hander picked up a back spasm before the Super 4 clash against Pakistan and didn’t feature in the XI for the remainder of the continental tournament.
After regaining his fitness, Shreyas returned to action in the first ODI against Australia in Mohali on Friday (September 22) but failed to make a mark. He was run out after scoring 3 runs off 8 balls while chasing a 277-run target.
Amid the debate over his place in India’s World Cup XI, Shreyas Iyer on Sunday (September 24) silenced his critics with a brilliant century in the second ODI versus Australia in Indore.
Batting at No. 3, he scored 105 off 90 balls and earned the Player-of-the-Match award after India won the game by a huge margin of 99 runs.
Addressing the media after the game, Iyer thanked himself for believing in his abilities and mindset during the injury recovery period.
“It was definitely a roller coaster ride. I would like to thank myself to be honest. For believing in my abilities and mindset at that point of time. I was feeling a bit lonely but thanks to my physios, my trainers, my family they backed me, grateful to have them around,” he told reporters.
Shreyas Iyer admitted that he was desperate to go out there in the middle and convert his starts into big scores.
“I was desperate to come back and come back strong. I was waiting to convert the starts which I got in the previous games. Today I got the opportunity, I am grateful,” Iyer stated.
“To be honest I was not doubting my abilities because I knew I was batting brilliantly in the nets, also the start I got against Pakistan. Just a matter of one innings and I knew it was around the corner, thankfully I was able to execute,” he added.
During his knock, Iyer was involved in a 200-run partnership for the second wicket with opener Shubman Gill, who smashed 104 off 97 balls.
Shreyas Iyer rated his third ODI hundred very highly and also lauded Shubman Gill’s innings.
“It was one of my finest innings especially coming out of an injury. I was eagerly waiting to come back and perform for the team. All these game we are getting before the World Cup, it is a good platform for us, especially me as I have not got a lot of games under my belt.
“Yes Shubman Gill is in tremendous form lately and the way he is converting his starts is simply phenomenal. In the World Cup, we will be needing such starts and he is in a great mind space, the routines that he has been maintaining throughout travelling and recovery,” he said.
Iyer struggled with cramps towards the end of his innings but came out to the field during Australia’s innings.
“I am okay now but I was getting serious cramps. I was not able to hold my grip. Even the caught and bowled which happened (which was overturned by tv umpire as the bowler was not in full control of the catch), I just played with the bottom hand. My mind was anxious but I told myself to put the beast mode on,” he concluded.
(The Indian Express Inputs)
