Indian middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer believes his efforts on the field haven’t always been acknowledged as they should be.
From being dropped from the central contract to winning the IPL and now lifting the Champions Trophy, Shreyas has navigated a rollercoaster of highs and lows since January last year. Did he ever feel frustrated during this period? The Indian batter admitted that not getting the respect he deserved after winning the IPL left him feeling a bit disappointed.
Last season, Shreyas captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title with remarkable leadership. He played a crucial role, scoring 351 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 146.86.
Despite leading KKR to glory, the franchise didn’t retain him for the upcoming season. Instead, Punjab Kings secured his services in the mega auction last November, shelling out a staggering ₹26.75 crore. Now, he is set to lead Punjab as they chase their maiden IPL title.
Shreyas was also instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, stepping up whenever the team found itself in trouble. His solid batting in the middle overs provided the foundation for success.
He scored 243 runs in five matches, with his best knock—79 runs—coming against New Zealand in the group stage. In the final, against the same opponents, he steadied the innings under pressure, guiding India to a four-wicket victory while chasing 252.
Winners of the Champions Trophy receive a special white blazer, and for Shreyas, wearing it was a moment of immense satisfaction. Reflecting on his journey in an interview with the Times of India, he shared how he overcame challenges.
“Wearing the Champions Trophy white blazer was extremely fulfilling. Honestly, this has been a unique journey. After the 2023 World Cup, I was dropped from the central contract, which was a tough phase. But I took that time to reassess my mistakes, figure out what I needed to work on—especially in terms of fitness—and build a routine to improve my skills.”
“When I got the chance to play consecutive matches in domestic cricket, I realized how crucial fitness was for me. Earlier this year, I had concerns about my injuries, but I worked through them. I’m really proud of how I’ve handled this phase and, most importantly, how I’ve always believed in myself.”
When asked if he ever felt frustrated during this challenging period, Shreyas pointed to the time after winning the IPL and how his contributions often went unnoticed.
“I wasn’t frustrated because I was playing in the IPL, and my primary goal was to win it. Thankfully, we did. But personally, I felt I didn’t receive the recognition I expected after the victory. At the end of the day, staying true to yourself is what matters. Even if no one acknowledges your work, doing the right things consistently is far more important—and that’s what I focus on.”
“By recognition, I mean respect. I’m talking about the acknowledgment of the effort I put in on the field.”
