Scoring runs at an average of 50.56 in oneās debut first-class season and over 400 runs in debut IPL season is definitely a noticeable feat. In addition to the runs amassed if they have come under trying circumstances which saw the batsman become the mainstay of his team, the achievement is likely to be appreciated more. In Shreyas Iyerās case the appreciation was translated in the form of a call-up to the India A side.
Speaking about what the selection into the A squad means to him, Iyer told bcci.tv, āIt is really important, because it brings me one step closer to the India squad. If I perform well in India A then I will get a call for the India team, because I have been performing consistently from Ranji to T20 then if I perform well over here it wonāt be that far.
On the back of his performances in the Ranji Trophy, 2014-15 for Mumbai (highest run-scorer for Mumbai with 809 runs) and in the Indian Premier League, 2015 for the Delhi Daredevils (439 runs) the Mumbai batsman has forced his way into the India A squad. While he has been working on his batting skills under the watchful eye of coach, Pravin Amre, the youngster has also acknowledged the significance of mental conditioning and physical fitness and incorporated it as an integral part of his training.
Looking forward to the series ahead, Iyer said, āI am working on my fitness as it is going to be a long tour. In Chennai we have to play in high heat so you need to be fit throughout the day to be able to play on all days. Mentally also I think I am strong. I used to usually work with sports psychologist, Mughda Barve. I have been talking to her for the last couple of years and thatās how I have been preparing.ā
Reflecting on the journey which has led to the first step towards the ultimate goal of playing for the senior national team, he said, āI think consistency and patience has helped me. Whenever I would get out I used to get angry and tell myself to be patient, and that I am good enough and it will come definitely. Every alternate match I have been scoring runs, so yes that thing has really helped me being consistent. I stuck to my process through the season. So doing all the processes right and executing it well has really helped me.ā
Elaborating on the process and the routine, he added, āI do visualization everyday for the match and prayers and stuff. I follow the routine every day. Mughda Barve spoke to me about visualizing. It is about how I would bat, and not only that but everything that I would be doing right from the beginning of the day to visualising how the day is going to be.ā
Being the vital cog in the teams that he has represented has also helped the batsman mature and evolve as a cricketer. Discussing the progression, Iyer said, āI used to emulate people and players earlier, but that has totally changed now. I have become my own person and I follow my own routines which has really helped me mature. I still do follow matches of other players, their mentality, attitude and their body language on the ground and the way they build themselves.ā
Speaking about his batting he added, āI have been working throughout with Pravin Amre sir on my batting during the matches and otherwise on my batting as well as fitness. I have been training with Abhishek Nayar. He has also helped me a lot in training. We have been doing yoga and all the other exercises which will benefit me in the future.ā
Methodically working on the various aspects that would help better him as a cricketer, the stylish batsman has been readying himself for the challenges that await him. The immediate challenge would be playing for India A. The level of cricket would change and so would the intensity.
Asked about it, the batsman said, āIt is going to be really challenging. Both teams are really good. However, for me I challenge myself I donāt
challenge with the other guys. If I think about them I may not perform well.ā
āObviously mental aspect will be important. When you are playing at the lower levels the mental aspect is totally different. At the smaller level you tend to be less patient, throw your wicket away; but over here you have to be ready, focused and technically also you have to be strong. These are the things I think that really matter,ā he added.
Discussing his approach to the next level, Iyer has often said that his batting style remains the same across formats. āIn ODIs obviously I will play my natural game. If I see a ball coming in my area I am not going to stop because if I play my natural game only then I can score runs otherwise there is no scoring runs. Thatās how I will approach the game. The same way I approached other matches. Mentally I am going to be strong even if I donāt get runs. I want to stay strong that way and I wonāt be thinking too much about the negatives. I am definitely going to score runs.ā
While he will have to put in his hard work, the series would also give the batsman an opportunity to hone his skills under the tutelage of former India captain, Rahul Dravid. āIt will be a pleasure to work with him. He is one of the greatest players India has produced. Playing under him is going to be a privilege.ā
