Shreyas Iyer Focuses on Self-Competition, Not External Factors, After Scoring Century Against Australia
Shreyas Iyer, after hitting a century against Australia, emphasizes the importance of self-competition and maintaining the right mindset despite external pressures.
Shreyas Iyer, the middle-order batsman, delivered a powerful statement about his ODI abilities as he scored a remarkable century, his first of the year and third in the format, leading India to a convincing 99-run victory over Australia via the DLS method at Holkar Stadium. This performance has boosted his credentials ahead of the World Cup.
Iyer, who had been sidelined due to back surgery and faced an abbreviated Asia Cup stint due to back spasms, put aside doubts about his form and fitness with a splendid innings of 105 off 90 balls. His innings included 11 fours and three sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Reflecting on his innings, Iyer revealed that he constantly reminded himself that his primary competition was against himself. He acknowledged the challenges he had faced in recent months on the fitness front and observed how fellow contenders like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan had bolstered their credentials with match-winning performances.
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“I keep telling myself competition is against me. It is about the mindset and how I maintain it, especially when the odds are against me. I was eagerly waiting for this opportunity, and fortunately, I was able to score a century.”
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“At times, my mind wavered, but I tried to shield myself from external distractions as much as possible. As they say, ignorance is bliss, so I took it one step at a time, stayed in the present, and avoided dwelling on past events or future uncertainties,” Iyer remarked during the post-match press conference.
Iyer adopted an attacking approach on a flat pitch, reaching his fifty in just 41 balls with a stunning six over long-off against Johnson. His third ODI century came in 86 balls, and the jubilant celebration that followed showcased his happiness, as the crowd rose to applaud his brilliant knock.
“It was certainly a roller coaster ride. I must thank myself for having faith in my abilities and mindset during that period. I felt somewhat isolated during that time, but thanks to my physios, trainers, and family for their unwavering support. I am grateful to have them by my side. These individuals played a pivotal role in boosting my spirits and maintaining a positive outlook. So, I am thankful and appreciative,” he added.
Iyer partnered with Shubman Gill to establish a 200-run partnership for the second wicket, with both batsmen scoring centuries and playing pivotal roles in the high-scoring match on a flat pitch with short ground dimensions.
“It was one of my finest innings, especially after recovering from an injury. I was eagerly waiting to return and perform for the team. Shubman Gill is currently in exceptional form, and the way he converts his starts is simply phenomenal.”
“As a teammate, I am thrilled because as we move forward to the World Cup, we will need such solid starts, and he is in an excellent frame of mind. His dedication to routines during travel and recovery has been remarkable to witness,” he remarked.
With key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to return for the final ODI in Rajkot on September 27, Iyer expressed his readiness to bat at any position as per the team management’s instructions.
“The management hasn’t specified my batting position, and I am flexible to bat wherever required. Whether it’s higher up the order or lower down, I am open to it. Competition is a part of being in the team, and that’s the beauty of representing the Indian team. Challenges are expected, and as a professional, I won’t complain. All I can say is that I will embrace the opportunities that come my way in the future and leave no stone unturned in my preparation,” concluded Shreyas Iyer.