After a few months of being snubbed by the BCCI due to not playing domestic matches, Shreyas Iyer has returned to the national team as captain of India's first ODI against Sri Lanka. Iyer led his team, Kolkata Knight Riders, to victory in the Indian Premier League 2024, with the help of his mentor and now India head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Iyer also discussed his style of batting and working with Gambhir, highlighting the coach's ability to give confidence to players and avoid creating pressure.
Shreyas Iyer: From Domestic Snub to India Captaincy
Shreyas Iyer, the talented Indian batter, has made a remarkable comeback to international cricket as the captain of India's first ODI against Sri Lanka. This appointment comes after a brief period of being overlooked by the BCCI due to his absence from domestic matches.
Background:
In 2022, Iyer suffered a back injury that forced him to withdraw from India's tour of England. Subsequently, the BCCI implemented a new policy requiring players to participate in domestic tournaments to be eligible for national selection. As Iyer was recovering from injury and unable to meet this criterion, he was excluded from the Indian team.
Undeterred, Iyer continued his rehabilitation and focused on regaining his fitness. In the meantime, he participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under the guidance of former India captain and now KKR head coach, Gautam Gambhir, Iyer excelled, leading the team to victory in the IPL 2024 season.
Return to National Team:
Impressed by Iyer's performance and leadership qualities, the BCCI selected him as the captain of India's ODI team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Iyer's appointment is a testament to his talent and the fact that he has overcome the challenges he faced in the past.
Relationship with Gautam Gambhir:
Iyer credits Gambhir as a significant influence in his career. He praised Gambhir's ability to instill confidence in players and avoid creating unnecessary pressure. The former Indian captain has always been known for his aggressive and determined style of leadership, which has rubbed off on Iyer.
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