Shreyas Iyer’s Attacking Approach Shines in Ranji Trophy Warm-up

Shreyas Iyer showcased his attacking cricketing style in a recently concluded Ranji Trophy warm-up match, setting the tone ahead of the five-match Test series against England. After a five-year gap, Iyer returned to domestic cricket with a match-winning knock of 48 runs for Mumbai against Andhra.

Iyer, batting at No. 5, faced a challenging situation as the Andhra quicks bowled with a negative approach, targeting his weaknesses by going around the wicket and delivering short balls. However, Iyer remained undeterred and unleashed an array of strokes, dominating the leg side and scoring 75% of his runs in that region. His determined approach paid off, with Iyer hitting seven boundaries, including an exquisite pull shot.

Speaking about his mindset during the match, Iyer emphasized his intention to play attacking cricket regardless of the situation. He acknowledged that when bowlers adopt a defensive approach, his aim is to score runs and lead his team to a strong position. Despite the defensive tactics employed by the Andhra bowlers, Iyer managed to find boundaries through his execution of the short-pitched deliveries.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the short ball, Iyer expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating that he enjoys competition and strives to overcome challenges. With a strike rate of 101.27 in ODIs and 136.12 in T20Is, Iyer’s attacking style has proven successful across various formats of the game. In first-class matches, his strike rate stands at 78.63, making him a valuable asset against spinners on turning tracks.

Although the pitch in the Ranji Trophy warm-up match did not provide significant turn, Iyer saw the game as an opportunity to enhance his match fitness and spend long hours on the field. Following a back injury that sidelined him for a considerable period in 2023, Iyer relished the chance to field in the scorching Mumbai heat. He identified the match as excellent practice for staying on the field for extended periods in preparation for future challenges.

Iyer’s decision to return to domestic cricket stemmed from his omission from the Indian T20 squad for the ongoing series against Afghanistan. However, he remains focused on the present and his performances on the field. Rather than dwelling on matters beyond his control, Iyer prioritizes contributing to team victories and maintaining a strong mindset. Looking ahead to the Test series against England, he emphasized the importance of taking one match at a time and delivering strong performances in the initial games.

Iyer faces competition for a spot in the Indian middle order, particularly with KL Rahul‘s success in the South Africa Tests. However, he approaches the competition with enthusiasm, embracing challenges and the opportunity to showcase his skills against opponents and fellow teammates.

Following the Mumbai game, Iyer continued his training regimen with a productive coaching session alongside Pravin Amre on the center BKC pitch. While other players left the ground, Iyer invested additional time in honing his skills and discussing strategies for the upcoming Test series against England.

Throughout his career, Iyer has played 12 Tests, scoring four half-centuries and averaging 39.27 in 20 innings. His talent, attacking mindset, and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team.