Shreyas Iyer calls short ball critics ‘annoying’

Shreyas Iyer has finally managed to retain its place in the India National Cricket Team based on his good performances in domestic cricket. Iyer was dropped from the Indian team and even from the central BCCI contract after his initial refusal to play domestic matches.

However, after a warning from the BCCI and India selectors, the middle-order batsman appeared in Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 and the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024 -25, and regained his place in India’s ODI squad.

It’s irritating: Shreyas Iyer on short-ball criticism after reclaiming India’s spot

Shreyas Iyer was recently named in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England at home as well as for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ahead of his much-awaited return to India, the Mumbai batsman reflected on various aspects of his game.

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Well, Shreyas Iyer has dismissed the constant chatter about his weakness to short deliveries, saying he can’t take advice from someone who has never faced lightning at 150 kmph. He also labeled the talk as irritating.

The Indian Express quoted Shreyas Iyer as saying: “It’s irritating, especially when it comes from people who haven’t faced a 150km per hour delivery, advising you to play a particular way. But I would say that’s their opinion . They have every right to talk, but they can talk to each other, not directly to the player.”

Shreyas Iyer reflects on his ‘game-changing’ knock at ODI World Cup 2023

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old also reflected on his extraordinary campaign during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he amassed 530 runs in 11 innings. His stellar performances included two centuries and three fifties, but his brilliant 82-run knock against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium was his favourite. Iyer said it was a “game-changing” hit for him.

Talking about his favorite innings in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Indian batsman explained: “82 against Sri Lanka. Because there was a lot of talk about the squad being dropped and I don’t bring much to the team. Although that I had scored a 50 against Pakistan, there was talk that put me in a bit of a quandary.”

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He continued: “That kind of talk raised my instincts from inside. I just wanted to give my 110 percent. And in that game, I decided I was just going to back off my instincts and go full speed. No looking back. I’m impressed by the way I played in that game. I became my own fan after that. It was a game-changing innings, especially in the World Cup.”

Shreyas Iyer shares his batting approach as he prepares for India comeback

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer also shared his approach to tackle different conditions. He emphasized the need to adapt to the situation and condition. The Mumbai batsman further explained how the variable bounce in some pitches requires adjustments in the trigger’s stance and movements, rather than grip.

Furthermore, Iyer revealed that he practices these adjustments both on the field and during shadow practice in his room. The Indian middle-order batsman also added that he always focuses on preparing specific plans for different types of wickets to ensure that he has a clear mindset before going out to bat.

However, Iyer said that all plans may not always work, but he always enters the field with a clear strategy in mind. He will be seen in action for the Men in Blue in the upcoming ODI series against England next month.