Shreyas Iyer has emerged as one of the most successful middle-order batsmen for India in recent times, but he feels that his success has come owing to his flexible batting positions for the India A team. On Wednesday, Iyer scored his maiden international century, but India failed to defend a target of 347 runs against New Zealand in the series opener on Wednesday.
Crediting his success to the time with the India A teams, Iyer said, “In India A, it’s not that I have to bat number four all the time. I got to maneuver my place from 3 to 5, I kept changing (batting order). India A games are always been helpful for me personally because whenever I used to go there, I used to make sure that as many matches I got, I have to make the best use of it and the players and the atmosphere is also amazing. And coming from the top arena (senior) to one level below (A team) doesn’t make you feel that you are completely away from the team but you always see similar faces around you.”
WATCH – Virat Kohli Pulled Off A Brilliant Run-out To Dismiss Henry Nicholls
Iyer scored another dependable knock of 103 off 107 balls but Indian bowlers failed to defend a target of 348 with Ross Taylor scoring a match-winning hundred.
Talking about his century during the post-match press conference, Iyer said, “First of many (centuries) I hope, so I would take this in my stride and try to make sure that next time, I finish on the winning side. I’m really happy the way I planned my innings. I was keeping my patience and I had that self-belief that once I cross that certain mark.”
KL Rahul’s whirlwind knock helped India continue the momentum after losing the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli. Iyer and Rahul added 136 runs for the 4th wicket and set the tone for a huge total of 347/4 in 50 overs.
India’s fielding let them down once again as there were dropped catches as well as missed chances in the field. Ross Taylor was dropped on 10 not out and the Indian bowling was wasteful in conceding 26 extras.
ALSO READ: Twitterati Erupted As India Suffers First Loss On New Zealand Tour
Talking about the fielding Iyer said, “Everybody goes through a bad day. I personally feel that we are a very good fielding side and we have to try and hit the target so that we create that momentum on the field. We need to cheer up the bowlers as well as all the fielders have to be there in the game. “
