It is important to maintain a positive mindset in difficult times: Shreyas Iyer – Dainik Savera Times

Indore: Doubts can creep in when one has to battle repeated injuries, but Shreyas Iyer says it was his unwavering belief in his abilities that helped him overcome the lonely phase. India won the Asia Cup in which Iyer returned after six months following back surgery but suffered back spasms midway through the tournament, leaving him to bat only once over the course of two weeks.

However, in India’s opening match against Pakistan, he scored 14 runs off nine balls, which gave him a lot of confidence and he was eagerly waiting for another opportunity. Finally, this opportunity came in the first ODI against Australia in Mohali last week but he was run out. Iyer, who is facing competition for a place in India’s middle order for the World Cup, however scored a century under pressure in the second ODI against Australia on Sunday.

“I was desperate to come back strongly,” Iyer said after playing the match-winning innings of 105 runs off 90 balls. I was waiting to convert the start I got in the previous matches into a good innings. Today I got the opportunity, I am grateful.” He said, ‘To be honest, I was not doubting my abilities because I knew that I was batting brilliantly in the nets, as well as the performance I had against Pakistan. Had got a start. It was just a matter of one innings and I knew it was close, thankfully I was able to convert it into a big innings.

Iyer was fully aware of the kind of competition he was facing but managed to remain calm despite missing most of the Asia Cup matches. “It was definitely a roller coaster ride,” he said. Honestly, I want to thank myself. To believe in your abilities and mindset at that time. I was feeling a bit lonely but thanks to my physio, my trainers, my family. They supported me, grateful to be around them.

Iyer rates his third ODI century quite high considering the circumstances. “It was one of my best innings, especially after recovering from the injury,” he said. I was eagerly waiting to come back and perform for the team. We are getting all these matches before the World Cup, it is a good platform for us, especially for me.” He praised opener Shubman Gill with whom he shared a 200-run partnership to help India score 399 runs for five wickets. I was successful.

Both the Indian and Australian team managements are resting key players in the series keeping the World Cup in mind. India on Sunday won the series by giving Australia its fifth consecutive defeat in the last five ODI matches. Iyer was struggling with cramps towards the end of his innings but came on to field in Australia’s innings. “I am fine now but I was having severe cramps,” he said. I was not able to hold my grip. I even got caught by the bowler, I just played with my lower hand.