IPL 2021: Fit-again DC captain Shreyas Iyer aims IPL glory to return to Team India: Shreyas Iyer has come all hail and hearty- fully recovering from his shoulder injury ahead of IPL 2021 Phase 2 in UAE. Iyer, who is eyeing his return in the playing spot for DC in the second leg of the tournament wants to lift DC’s maiden title that would also escalate his chances for getting into Team India for the ICC T20 World Cup. Leading DC to the finals as a speaker in IPL 2020, Iyer isn’t afraid of the competition in the Indian team, instead takes it as a positive stride.
“Competition has always been in Indian cricket and will always be. It is a competitive sport after all. But for me, it won’t be an understatement to say that I have a bigger appetite now,” Shreyas Iyer told PTI when asked about the competition from Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav who are his close competitors.
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Shreyas Iyer did feel “low” at times during an intense rehabilitation period after his shoulder surgery but a fit-again stylish Mumbai batsman is now gearing up to realise an unfinished dream of winning his maiden IPL title with the Delhi Capitals.
Shreyas, who led DC to their first IPL final in 2020, missed the first part of the postponed IPL due to surgery. Rishabh Pant had captained the side back then.
“The real journey begins NOW!” 🗣️
From take-off to touchdown, with all the hopes and aspirations for the second leg of #IPL2021 💙
Relive the journey with @EbixCash #TravelDiaries as the first batch of DC stars reached the UAE 🇦🇪🤩#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/bEjSTs8Dzt
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 29, 2021
“Unfortunately, IPL had to be stopped mid-season, but it has presented me with the opportunity again and I will, as a player and as someone who understand the DNA of our team, will do everything in my role to see the dream of our fans come true,” Shreyas Iyer said.
IPL 2021: When asked if he is game about playing under Pant’s leadership, the dashing right-hander did not give a direct answer.
“I would reckon our first half performance this season is a result of the environment we had created in 2019 and 2020. Last year, we came so close to winning the IPL,” Shreyas said.
[1/2] And we begin 🤩
📷 | Our DC stars took to the field for their 1️⃣st training session after quarantine 🔥#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/APFz7peMF8
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 29, 2021
“Over the last two years, we have transformed DC into a warrior side. That has come from the system and process we had put in place and thanks to the management in trusting my abilities to be able to deliver for the team,” feels Shreyas Iyer.
He feels that leadership role in Capitals did help him become a more astute cricketer since he improved man-management skills and temperament.
In a parallel universe, which of our DC stars do you think could excel professionally in sports other than cricket? 🤩💬#NationalSportsDay #YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/pgvSTegadX
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 29, 2021
“Captaincy at Delhi Capitals has made me a better cricketer. I look at things, situations, the sports differently. It has improved my temperamental skills, my man management skills as a leader. Ricky Ponting has been very supportive of that,” he said.
But someone, who is known to hit monster sixes in T20 cricket would make it clear that he is not competing with anyone.
Shreyas Iyer In DC’s #IPL2021 threads 🥺💙
That’s it. That’s the post.#YehHaiNayiDilli @SofitelDXBPalm pic.twitter.com/V04PMG0rt5
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 28, 2021
“Look, my competition has always been with myself. It’s You vs You. It has worked out well for me in the past, for how I have played this sport so far, and I have no reason to doubt myself that I can’t repeat and achieve that again and again.”
IPL 2021: Challenging himself and moving out of his comfort zone will be his mantra.
“I want to keep going beyond my abilities. I want to see that transition happening every day. That’s how I see myself and I enjoy throwing these challenges.”
On the fitness front, Shreyas informed that he attained full match fitness two weeks back and is currently in fine fettle.
“I have attained 100 per two weeks back. No concerns whatsoever. I feel very comfortable, fresh and I’m in a good mind space. I was completely focused on my daily process and thankfully it has worked out well for me. This (surgery) was something I had to do, and I am happy that I can now move forward,” he added.
So is he feeling comfortable throwing from the deep?
[1/2] 📸 | Snapshots of DC stars hustling in their 1️⃣st gym session together after quarantine 🔥💪🏻#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 @SofitelDXBPalm pic.twitter.com/ftpnAWdSAJ
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 28, 2021
“It’s about gaining strength. I feel 100 percent . I had the opportunity to arrive in Dubai a few days ahead of my team, and thankfully played a few practice matches with the UAE National team. It’s all coming together nicely.”
He got injured at a time when he was doing well for the country and it does affect any player worth his salt.
“One has to accept the fact and adapt to it fast. That would be my advice. I won’t lie here, yes you tend to feel low at times, it’s human nature after all, but how you deal with it instead of drowning in it, defines your process.”
IPL 2021: But if a situation comes where he has to dive again, Shreyas won’t mind doing that to save runs for his team.
He can’t help but smile and put smiles on his fans’ faces 😁💙#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 @MStoinis pic.twitter.com/N0jsY4ur26
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 27, 2021
“What’s important is knowing that I was 110 percent in that game when I hit the mat. I was committed to my role and I will not hesitate to show the same intensity in future.”
It can get lonely if the support system isn’t around, Shreyas agreed.
“Thankfully, I have a close knit family and friends who have been my backbone. They bring positivity. I had a quick get-away with friends in Goa post surgery. Back home, my parents kept me engaged, we had a lot of positive conversations and they ensured I look at the brighter side of things.”
The initial part of rehab can become very tiresome when one is perhaps at home with hand in sling, no gym, no activity as such, more so in this post-COVID world.
A favourite among fans and teammates 🤗💙
We’re so excited to see what Hettie will bring to the second leg of #IPL2021 🤩🇦🇪#YehHaiNayiDilli @SHetmyer pic.twitter.com/FqsenVtGcX
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 27, 2021
“To be honest, I never felt the agony at all. As I mentioned, for me it was the family and friends who formed the core of my recovery process. And then I had Virat Kohli and many teammates, friends and fans checking on me regularly. To be frank, it was overwhelming to see so much support.”
While concluding, Shreyas wanted to thank NCA Head of Cricket Rahul Dravid and his staff for their support during the rehab period.
“Rahul sir and the entire staff at NCA had been very helpful. I got good support from BCCI and the process was smooth for me. I had long conversations with Rahul sir, before he left for Sri Lanka and later on his return. His words are so encouraging and a lot to learn from him,” Shreyas Iyer signed off.
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