Shreyas Iyer feels that there is pressure always when one is representing the national team and that he prefers to stick to his processes instead of fretting about the tough competition for spots in the run-up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
His words came ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday. Iyer has been named in the Indian playing XI for the match in which Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Iyer was speaking about his process in a pre-match conversation and said that he knows what he has to do and tries to avoid the outside noises as much as he can.
“I feel pressure is inevitable when you are playing for the Indian team, you can’t control it. As much as I know I need to try to focus on myself and not think about the competition, I just turn a deaf ear to the outside noise and see to it that my routine and processes are right.
That’s what I focus on whenever I approach the match or any oppositions on the field. Looking forward to have a fantastic season, all geared up and hope we have a fabulous game," said Iyer in a pre-match chat to broadcasters on Tuesday.
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The Mumbai batter had an excellent year in 2022 in ODI cricket. He made 724 runs at an average of 55.69 in 15 innings. His ability to counterattack spinners and rotate the strike is been seen as a positive for the Indian team in their preparation for the 2023 World Cup at home.
“It (2022) was an exciting year for me and I was ecstatic with my performances. I definitely look back at what I learnt from the last year and the one thing that stands out is patience. I was less flamboyant with my shot selection. I used to plan my innings very well, my temperament took me over tough situations. So that’s what I analyzed from the last year. I tried to play according to the situation, and it worked out pretty well for me," he added.
He further said that he studies bowlers and envisages their plans for him, but reacts to them instinctively through his shots on-field.
“You need to study the bowlers right before the game. I try to visualize the opposition, what the bowlers would be bowling at me and what would be their planning. So, I try to analyse all these small things and let my instincts take over once I enter the ground,” Iyer signed off.
(Star Sports inputs)
