“No regrets on missing a ton” Shreyas Iyer

The Indian cricket team took on Sri Lanka in their 2nd test match on a calm evening at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The occasion was set for India’s in-form batsman Shreyas Iyer as the 27-year-old middle-order batter was performing on a different level. Counterattacking with bowler elan, he dismissed the Sri Lankan spin attack as well. Playing his innings with a positive style of play was all he was looking for despite the bowlers taking the charge on the first day of the Test.

In the second session, despite losing six wickets against the Sri Lankan bowling attack, the Indians scored 159 runs and the man who inspired in that difficult run charge was Iyer with his 98-ball 92. The Lankans had the chance to dismiss him but paid the price for dropping the KKR batsman who put up a grand show of sheer determination and skill. While runs kept flowing from his bat, Iyer showed some good batting skills portraying his composure on the pitch

“My plan was obviously to cut down the spin. So, I wanted to step out. The plan was to cover the spin and play it to mid-wicket and get a single because that area was free. I was very confident doing that. When you step out, you also play with the mind of the bowler and spoil his line and length. That’s what I tried to do,” he said.

But the beginning was challenging. “The first five balls I played were really difficult. I think it was the second last over before tea (when I came in to bat). I was very nervous. I just wanted to somehow play those two overs and after that, I knew what I was going to do. The coach and captain were very supportive and I am happy about it,” he explained.

He further added “Playing domestic cricket, Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, was really helpful and these kinds of wickets remind me of those. I followed the thought process that I would in the Ranji Trophy. I never thought I would get out. Of course, some balls were bouncing, keeping low, and turning. But my main focus was to cut down the spin,”

Unfortunately, Iyer missed the opportunity to complete what would have been a deserving century, his second in his small Test career.
But, Iyer pointed out, “It is disappointing to miss out on a hundred, but by the end of it the team had got to a fighting total. So, I have no regrets. I play for the team.”