Perhaps not automatically selected for India’s Champions Trophy squad initially, Shreyas Iyer has demonstrated his reliability as the team’s No. 4 batsman. Despite facing potential exclusion from the first ODI against England before the Champions Trophy, Iyer’s excellent performances have reaffirmed his credentials in the 50-over format. Following a match-winning 79 against New Zealand on Sunday, Iyer acknowledged significant personal growth over the past year and a half, which he is now leveraging.
Iyer’s situation in the Indian team was noteworthy despite his consistent showing in the ODI World Cup 2023. Reports even suggested he might not be a definite choice for the Champions Trophy playing XI. However, the batsman fought back and solidified his place in the middle order.
After the match against New Zealand, Iyer stated that he believes in self-reliance rather than depending on others. He views it as a personal battle, emphasizing that ultimate responsibility lies with oneself.
‘It has definitely been a great learning experience for me personally, teaching me to take responsibility rather than depending on external factors. Over time, I’ve realized that it’s a solo journey in many ways. While a few close individuals offer support, ultimately, you have to rely on yourself during challenging times. So, I’ve focused on self-belief and projecting confidence in every situation. I trust my instincts,’ Iyer mentioned in a post-match interview.
‘I keep reiterating this, and it’s been my mantra for the past year and a half. Along with refining my technique, staying present-minded and not dwelling on past events has been crucial,’ he added.
Iyer also spoke about his crucial partnership with Axar Patel, which steadied India’s innings after the early loss of top-order batsmen.
‘Yes, the ball was initially coming onto the bat a bit slowly. Building a partnership from that point was essential, and Axar played exceptionally well, scoring those vital 40 runs. Our near 100-run partnership was critical at that moment. The mindset was simply to keep the scoreboard moving and capitalize on opportunities for boundaries to regain momentum,’ Iyer explained.
