“Navigating the Challenges of Test Cricket: Shreyas Iyer’s Insights and Preparation”
Shreyas Iyer has successfully retained his position in India’s Test squad as a middle-order batsman for the upcoming series against England. Following his departure from India’s white-ball squad, Iyer is making a strong impact in the Ranji competition and played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s commanding 10-wicket victory over Andhra Pradesh in the Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match on Monday. Despite facing a challenging period during the South Africa tour, Iyer is determined to make a comeback to the national squad.
Ahead of the Afghanistan series, head coach Rahul Dravid addressed speculations about Iyer’s absence from the T20I squad, clarifying that it was not due to disciplinary reasons. Dravid explained that Iyer didn’t feature in the South Africa T20Is, and the selection was influenced by the competition among several established batters in the T20I setup. However, Iyer has been included in the Test squad for the upcoming series against England.
His dynamic perspective on the Bazball approach
Ahead of the anticipated five-Test series against England, Iyer candidly discussed his perspective on the Bazball style of play. Responding to former England skipper Nasser Hussain’s observation that the visitors would need to strike a balance on Indian pitches with their Bazball approach, Iyer emphasized his team’s commitment to concentrating on their own plans and abilities rather than getting overly preoccupied with the opposition. In an interview with JioCinema, he stated, “Honestly, I don’t dwell on what the opposition is planning or their mindset. It’s crucial that we adhere to our strategies, focus on our strengths, and avoid getting too caught up with our rivals. These are the subtle qualities we need to keep in mind as we aim to put our best foot forward and capitalize on the opportunities presented.”
Iyer dominates Andhra bowlers
In response to Andhra bowlers attempting to exploit his perceived weakness against short balls, Iyer countered with a brisk 48 off just as many balls for Mumbai. Reflecting on his performance, he stated, “It was a satisfying experience. I wasn’t setting high expectations for myself, but I aimed to establish a rhythm leading into the five-Test matches. Given the heightened intensity, enduring 90 overs on the field demands significant effort, and it all began here in the match against Andhra Pradesh.”
Can Iyer stage a comeback?
Iyer’s scores in the two Test matches against South Africa were 0, 4*, 31, and 6. The 29-year-old, with 12 Test matches under his belt for India and an average of 39.28, has accumulated 707 runs for Rohit Sharma’s team. With one century and five half-centuries to his credit, the premier batter looks to bounce back. India is scheduled to face England in the series opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on January 25.
Approaching each match one step at a time
“Avoid excessive forward-thinking and consider all factors. The mental demands are significant, and managing stress becomes crucial. Playing Test matches involves handling pressure situations effectively, and it’s essential to be mentally prepared for adapting over the course of 90 overs. This Ranji Trophy experience was valuable practice for me to acclimate to such situations,” Iyer remarked.
