A swashbuckling batsman, Shreyas Iyer is a treat to watch in any format of cricket. The 21-year-old has worked his way to being a top-order batsman and emerged as a vital cog in Mumbai’s batting lineup since his debut in 2014. After scoring 809 runs at an average of over 50 in his debut season (2014-15), he has already accumulated 1056 runs at an average of over 70 in the ongoing season and is the highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy 2015-16.
Iyer attained the 1000-run mark in the second innings of the quarter-final clash against Jharkhand in Mysore. Reflecting on the achievement, he said, “Actually I knew (when I went to bat in the second innings) that I needed 25 runs to get to 1000 runs. In the first innings I got out on 45 so I was disappointed that I couldn’t get to 1000 in the first innings itself. I wanted to get those 25 runs anyhow in the second innings. And after crossing (the mark) I am feeling really happy,” while speaking to bcci.tv later.
The top-order batsman scored 81 off 106 balls to keep Mumbai in a commanding position in the all-important match. Talking about the knock, Iyer said, “The wicket was difficult to bat and I just decided that I have to play till the end (of the day’s play or innings); play session by session. I knew the runs will come (if I stay) because it wasn’t easy to score runs (for a new batsman). The ball was suddenly turning or coming straight.”
The determined knock on the third day of the game is yet another testament to the batsman’s consistency. He has been integral to team’s success with his prolific run making even in trying circumstances and difficult situations, like the whirlwind 71-ball 83 against Tamil Nadu to help the team chase down 236 runs on the last day. Discussing his batting, he said, “It wasn’t that difficult for me (to bat and maintain consistency). Doubts come in your mind only when you are not working hard. I have been working a lot on my technique, skills and also my fitness so I don’t have any doubt of losing my wicket and not scoring runs in pressure situations.”
While he may seem to be scoring runs at will, doing so in the second season as well when the oppositions and the bowlers know your game better is an accomplishment in itself. Speaking about emerging as the top-scorer of the season so far after topping the batting list for Mumbai in his debut season, Iyer said, “My goal was to break my previous season’s record. I just went with the flow and continued to do what I have been doing right in the last season. I just kept that in mind and approached my goal for this season. I needed a good start. The double-century against Punjab gave me a good break and from there carried it forward in the matches after that.”
In his quest to better himself Iyer has worked and added to his skill-set to be successful especially in the longer format. “I am playing more on the back foot because when you keep going to a higher level, the bowlers don’t tend to bowl fuller to you. Fuller as in length wise, so you need to be good on the back foot. Previously when I was playing in Under-19s, they used to bowl up and it was easy to score runs. Now you have to be good in both – front foot as well as back — foot so I have developed the skill of going back also.”
“I tend to play positively, that’s my strength I guess. I just approach the innings positively and follow my instincts. These are the small things that have helped me develop and score big runs. I love to play shots off every ball, so I try to score runs off every ball, but if I see that it’s not in my area I try to defend it or nudge and take a single. I love to play strokes,” he added.
“I like to take on the field (the field setting). As soon as I take on the field they (the opposition) try to spread out (the field) and (then) I can easily take singles. That’s what I like about long formats,” said the dominating batsman stated.
“You feel really positive at that time (when the oppositions spread the field) and you think that I am the one who is on the top at the moment. So I like to take advantage in that way and you can easily rotate the strike and give strength to your partner also,” he elaborated.
While he has forced oppositions to spread the field by just walking in to bat, Iyer has helped set the tone of the game. Asked about the responsibility and expectations, the youngster said, “I didn’t think that way. I know that we have very good players in the team and all of us are capable of winning matches and so I just thought that way and approached each and every game. I know that if I don’t score there is another batsman who is going to score and if he doesn’t score then there is another batsman too. The ultimate aim should be winning the game.”
“The main aim is to win the trophy. It’s been a very long season and you just can’t think of losing at the moment. You just need to be focussed and dream of holding the trophy,” he said while talking about the season’s campaign.
Reflecting on his season thus far Iyer observed, “I did better in the longer format (than in the shorter formats). I think I should have done better in one-dayers and T20s (as well), that would have been a great opportunity for me to get the selectors eyes on me. But I think I have done well with regards to the season per se.”
Asked about Pravin Amre’s (Iyer’s batting coach since a young age) reaction to his feat, Iyer mentioned “He messaged me and congratulated me on my 1000 runs and said it would be really good if I get a 100 in knockouts.”
While he is disappointed at not reaching the three figure-mark in the innings after having done the hard yards, Iyer will be keen to do so in final stages of the tournament in an effort to help his team reclaim the trophy.
