IPL 2026: Already regarded as one of India’s most reliable performers in ODIs, Shreyas Iyer has now taken his consistency in T20Is to a new high. The middle-order batter has reshaped both his approach and his standing in the shortest format. He has grown beyond being just a steady presence for Punjab Kings in the IPL, evolving into a finisher and a leader who has guided the side to several wins this season. But this rise hasn’t come quietly; criticism and taunts played their part, pushing Iyer to respond on the field and silence doubters with his performances.
Once criticised for struggling against the short ball, Shreyas Iyer answered in style by smashing a memorable six off Jasprit Bumrah of the Mumbai Indians, a shot that quieted many of his doubters.
Critics doubled his growth
Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Believe’, the Punjab Kings skipper shared how criticism became fuel for his growth. He admitted that hearing people say certain situations were beyond him never sat well. Instead of accepting those doubts, he used them as motivation, constantly pushing himself to come back stronger, especially after setbacks like injuries. When he suffered a back issue, and some questioned whether he would return to the same player, Iyer chose to challenge that narrative by focusing on his mindset and shutting out negativity.
Approach changes everything
The constant talk around his so-called weakness against short-pitched deliveries lingered for a long time. Iyer revealed that those remarks struck a nerve and pushed him to work relentlessly on improving that aspect of his game. Earlier, he would play it safe against bouncers, but now his approach has changed. If the ball sits up in his range, he looks to attack.
Pravin Amre and Abhishek Nayar’s Effort
He credited his development to consistent work with coaches like Pravin Amre and Abhishek Nayar, with whom he regularly exchanges ideas. His training routine has also evolved, with longer batting sessions where he faces hundreds of deliveries to better understand his game. Rather than sticking to rigid patterns, he focuses on spending time at the crease against real bowlers, allowing his movements to become more natural.
Iyer Admired Rohit, Virat and ABD
Iyer also emphasised the importance of rhythm, getting into position early, and flowing into each shot. It’s a trait he admires in players like AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, and one he continues to build into his own game as he strives for greater consistency.
