Shreyas Iyer | Source: X/Twitter
Indian batter Shreyas Iyer, who had been in a rough patch of form throughout the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup, made a powerful comeback against Sri Lanka. He smashed 82 runs off just 56 balls, including three boundaries and six massive sixes, during the match on Thursday, November 2, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Shreyas Iyer’s form was on full display with his array of shots during his innings. However, a recurring issue for him has been his susceptibility to short-pitched deliveries, often resulting in dismissals while attempting the pull shot. He recently addressed this concern during the post-match conference after the Sri Lanka game.
When a journalist asked him about his struggle with short balls, Shreyas Iyer got all fired up and shot back, saying it’s all in people’s heads. The Mumbai batter argued they blew it out of proportion just because he got out a few times to those deliveries but that doesn’t mean he’s a sitting duck for those deliveries.
Here’s what Shreyas Iyer replied:
“When you say it’s a problem for me, what do you mean? [Talking about short ball] Have you seen how many pull shots I have scored, especially which has gone for 4, so if you are trying to hit a ball, you are bound to get out in any way irrespective if it’s a short ball or short, it’s overpitched. If I get bowled two or three times, you people would say that I can’t play an inswinging ball.”
“As players we are bound to get out on any sort of delivery, you guys have created that type of mahaul (atmosphere) outside that he can’t play a short ball and I feel that people are picking it up every now and then and it plays in your mind regularly.”
Watch Video: Shreyas Iyer Claps Back at Journalist
With his 82-run knock, Shreyas Iyer also reached the milestone of 2000 ODI runs for India. He will undoubtedly aim to contribute positively to the team as they advance to the semi-finals.
