Having represented India in 54 white-ball video games, Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer made his long-awaited entry into Test cricket in Kanpur in opposition to New Zealand in November. After turning into the one Indian to make a century and a fifty on Test debut, a sterner problem awaits the 27-year outdated on the South Africa tour, the place he will probably be competing for a middle-order spot with Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari. Before leaving for South Africa, Iyer spoke to The Indian Express on his debut efficiency and his preparation for the upcoming huge tour.
Your Mumbai team-mate Siddhesh Lad as soon as requested you to concentrate on white-ball cricket when you weren’t getting probabilities in red-ball. But you replied that red-ball lamba khelna hai [I want to play red-ball for a long time]. Tell us a bit extra about that part.
Test cricket is the final word dream of any skilled cricketer. True to its title, it assessments your technical, psychological and bodily power. I’ve all the time wished to play Test cricket for India and I knew my time would come. Since my early days, I’ve by no means put stress on myself. I feel it impacts your temperament on and off the sector. All I all the time love to do and did at the moment is concentrate on my expertise in order that every time I get the chance, I’m prepared for it.
You needed to look ahead to 54 first-class video games earlier than your Test debut. You have already performed 54 white-ball video games for India. You are additionally an IPL star. Was there ever some extent the place you felt that you just had achieved loads even with out getting that Test cap?
No, under no circumstances. I’m humbled by what I’ve been rewarded with but it surely doesn’t imply that I don’t attempt to stretch to the following stage. As I stated, once I know I’m doing what I really like, each alternative, landmark or incentive turns into a bye-product. Yes, it does make you content but it surely doesn’t make you content material. As an individual, I don’t imagine in being glad with my efforts or achievements, there’s all the time an additional mile in you.
Your breakthrough Ranji efficiency got here in Kanpur in opposition to Uttar Pradesh in 2014-15. Was that in your thoughts while you made your Test debut on the identical floor? How do you look again at that recreation now? You had forgotten your match package on the lodge…
Well, the lodge was not far, so it wasn’t too troublesome to get it again. However, [then Mumbai coach Pravin Amre sir pulled me up for the lapse.
I’ve all the time carried out nicely at Kanpur so there was a way of consolation, of nostalgia. I used to be additionally fairly assured enjoying there.
You have been but to attain your first run in Test cricket while you have been crushed by Ajaz Patel. Two balls later, you went for an enormous hit and the ball simply cleared mid-off working again. That was a tense method to get your first Test runs. Can you discuss that second?
I all the time stroll into bat with a transparent thoughts. When you’re batting, you may’t have your thoughts cluttered with too many issues and plan your subsequent shot earlier than the ball is delivered. I imagine in treating every ball on its benefit and that’s how I play all codecs. Yes, you’re keen and have a constructive nervousness in your first run however at that second, I simply wished to belief myself on every shot I used to be enjoying or trying.
You hadn’t performed a first-class match in almost three years while you made your Test debut. What did you concentrate on in coaching to get into the routine of the lengthy format?
I’ve had appreciable expertise within the Ranji Trophy circuit the place I’ve developed sure processes round my method. So, I didn’t attempt to over-complicate issues. I simply centered on the processes and mindset which have labored for me up to now.
You have a excessive profession strike-rate in first-class cricket. And you went at a excessive tempo in Kanpur too. Was there any thought of taking some extra time as a result of it was Test cricket?
As I stated, I deal with every ball on its benefit and play with a transparent thoughts. I all the time attempt to keep away from pre-meditated pictures. Yes, you do have a game-plan based mostly on the pitch, situations and the opponent’s bowling set-up however you will need to adapt to the scenario and belief your intuition. I really like enjoying freely and the nice half is that the crew administration has given me that freedom. So, if the ball is there to attain, I’m going for it.
Was there some extent in your debut innings when it struck you that you just now belonged to Test stage? How did that really feel?
I don’t assume there’s a case or feeling of belonging to any stage in any stroll of life. You are there since you are good at what you do and so long as you respect your ability and are sincere about it, you’ll maintain and benefit from the journey. For me, I’ve all the time wished to play Test cricket for India and the sensation of donning the India cap can’t be expressed in phrases. I have to add that I used to be fortunate to be handed the Test cap by one of many biggest cricketers of all time, Sunil Gavaskar sir, which made the event additional particular for me.
You’ve performed solely three first-class video games exterior India. Two of them have are available in South Africa. How totally different was that have from the red-ball cricket you’ve performed in India?
Each nation provides one thing totally different. The situations, pitches and grounds make the entire expertise distinctive. As skilled cricketers, we’ve to adapt and benefit from the challenges to achieve success as a person and a crew. In South Africa, you discover a lot tougher and greener pitches as in comparison with India, which is intriguing for any batter’s method and temperament and it’s thrilling to compete there.
Rohit Sharma has spoken about how he consciously holds his wrists near the physique whereas making ready for an England tour. Do you comply with an analogous routine? What have you ever focussed on probably the most for South Africa?
The tempo and bounce of the wickets in South Africa warrant fast reflexes. For me, the main target is on my footwork and motion on the crease in order that I’m in line and maintain place to fulfill the ball or depart with conviction.
You’ve performed below Rohit’s captaincy and in addition gone up in opposition to him within the IPL. What stands out for you in his management?
Rohit has his personal model of management. He’s very calm and picked up and that rubs off on the crew as nicely. He’s fairly chilled out and encourages everybody, together with kids, to share their views.
