India National Cricket Team batsman Shreyas Iyer recently shared insights into the challenges he faced against short balls and the misconceptions surrounding his abilities. Despite the doubts and criticisms, Iyer remained confident in his strengths and skills.
The journey of Shreyas Iyer has been nothing short of remarkable. After an outstanding performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, where he scored over 500 runs, he encountered setbacks that led to his exclusion from the Indian team across formats. Issues with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) further complicated his situation.
However, Iyer didn’t let these obstacles deter him. He made a strong comeback in domestic cricket, showcasing his talent and determination. His stellar performance for Mumbai in various formats, coupled with leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the IPL 2024, marked his resurgence in the cricketing world.
Despite facing criticism for his perceived weakness against short balls, Iyer proved his detractors wrong during the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His impressive run-scoring ability, particularly at No. 4 position, has solidified his place in the Indian team with an impressive average of 48.22 in ODIs.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Iyer acknowledged the perceptions and typecasting that haunted him. In an interview, he stated, “Maybe, the perception was created or maybe I was typecast. But I always knew my strengths, my abilities and (there was also) the belief (that) I had in myself.”
Currently, Iyer is focused on his role as the captain of Punjab Kings in the upcoming season. When asked about his aspirations for the England Test series, he emphasized the importance of staying present and fulfilling his responsibilities with the franchise. “I prefer not to over-think and complicate my current process. For now, I am living in the moment to fulfil my roles and responsibilities with Punjab Kings,” Iyer stated.
As the captain of Punjab Kings, Iyer aims to lead his team to victory and continue his exceptional form on the field. With his determination, talent, and unwavering belief in his abilities, Shreyas Iyer is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming cricketing season.
The Resilience and Redemption of Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s journey in cricket is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he faced, including setbacks in his international career and criticisms about his ability to handle short balls, Iyer remained steadfast in his belief in his skills.
After his stellar performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, where he showcased his batting prowess with over 500 runs, Iyer found himself grappling with issues that led to his exclusion from the Indian team. The controversy surrounding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) further complicated matters, casting a shadow on his future in the sport.
However, Iyer did not let these obstacles define him. Instead, he turned to domestic cricket as a platform to prove his worth. His standout performances for Mumbai across various formats caught the attention of many, eventually leading to his captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 season. Under his leadership, KKR emerged victorious, solidifying Iyer’s resurgence in the cricketing world.
Despite facing doubts about his ability to handle short balls, Iyer silenced his critics with his impressive performances during the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His consistency at the No. 4 position in the Indian team has been a key factor in his success, with an impressive average of 48.22 in ODIs.
In a candid reflection on the challenges he faced, Iyer acknowledged the misconceptions and typecasting that plagued him. However, he remained unwavering in his self-belief, stating, “I always knew my strengths, my abilities, and the belief I had in myself.” This resilience and self-assurance have been instrumental in his journey back to the top of Indian cricket.
As he gears up for the upcoming season as captain of Punjab Kings, Iyer remains focused on the present moment. Rather than getting caught up in overthinking or complicating his approach, he emphasizes the importance of fulfilling his roles and responsibilities with the franchise. This pragmatic mindset reflects his maturity and dedication to his craft.
With a steely resolve, exceptional talent, and a renewed sense of purpose, Shreyas Iyer is poised to lead Punjab Kings to victory and continue his stellar form on the field. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a reminder of the power of perseverance in the face of challenges. As he looks ahead to the England Test series and beyond, Iyer’s journey is a testament to the resilience and redemption that define true champions in the world of cricket.
