Shreyas Iyer has been enjoying a strong run since joining Punjab Kings at the IPL mega auction. He has made headlines not only for his impressive batting but also for his leadership, guiding PBKS to runners-up
finish last season after topping the points table, and keeping them unbeaten so far in the ongoing campaign.
He scored 604 runs last season at a strike rate of 175.07 and has continued in similar form this year, amassing 279 runs from six innings while striking at 186. While his talent has never been in doubt, the Mumbai batter has often faced criticism for his vulnerability against short-pitched deliveries.
That criticism, however, became a turning point for Iyer.
“People said I would never fix my short-ball problem. That triggered me,” Iyer said on JioHotstar. “I wanted to prove them wrong by performing well. So, I worked hard on it. Earlier, I would just take a single or try to keep the ball down. But now my mindset has changed. If I see a short ball in my zone, I am going to hit it for a six.”
Iyer credited his long-standing work with coach Pravin Amre and regular discussions with Abhishek Nayar for his continued growth.
“I work with Pravin Amre. I have been with him since I was young. I also talk to coaches like Abhishek Nayar. We share ideas. During my batting practice, I now try to play around 50 overs and face over 300 balls. That helps me understand what works for me. I don’t follow a fixed pattern. I give myself more time in the middle and face real bowlers, not just sidearm throws,” he said.
He also explained how he focuses on rhythm and preparation at the crease, drawing inspiration from top international players.
“The more I face bowlers, the clearer my movement becomes. I focus on creating a rhythm. Just before the bowler delivers, I try to get into my position quickly. That creates a flow. You must have seen AB de Villiers do that. Even Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have that rhythm before playing their shots. I try to do the same,” he added.
With his improved T20 form, calls for Iyer’s return to India’s T20I setup have grown louder, with some even suggesting him as a potential captaincy option.
Iyer says he cannot accept if someone tries to define his limits.
“I have people around me who say that in this situation, you can’t do it. It’s impossible. I don’t like hearing that. As a cricketer playing at the highest level, I just can’t accept it. Then in my mind, I decide that I have to prove them wrong,” Iyer said.
“The challenge becomes: ‘I was in this situation, how can I come back stronger?’ I push myself harder and try to return as soon as possible to prove them wrong. That thought keeps driving me, especially after injuries. When I had my back injury, some people said I would never be the same again. I asked myself, why can’t I be? The way you shape your mindset after an injury is important. You choose what to focus on and what to ignore,” he added.
