Indian batsman Shreyas Iyer has been a popular name in Indian cricket from past couple of years. He has been named in the Test, ODI and T20Is squads on various tours but never got the chance to make his debut. But, the right-handed batsman is confident that he will be making his international debut in the 3-match T20I series against New Zealand which begins on Wednesday in New Delhi.
During a pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I between India and New Zealand, Iyer said, “Obviously I am hoping that if I am selected (in the squad) then I will play as well. We have three matches and if I play even one then it is a good feeling. I am not thinking about playing. Even if I am sitting out, I will put effort. In the end, the team should win.”
For Iyer to be included in the playing XI, India needs to find him a place in the middle-order. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have been the in-form openers for India in limited-overs cricket. Talking about his batting position, Iyer said, “I am very flexible and I don’t mind batting at any number. Even in the IPL, I was shuffled from number four to number three and it didn’t really matter because I am comfortable playing in any position. If I play the game, I’ll bat at any number and will give my best.”
Iyer has had a good run with India ‘A’ recently and he led the team to series win in South Africa. He scored a hundred in the final game against South Africa ‘A’. Describing the same, he said, “It was really helpful for me as it was the final game. South Africa A team was very challenging. We had lost the first game against them and the second game went till the last over. The final was the decider and I was having a good run. I was getting starts but was not able to convert them. In the final, it came out really well and it was a satisfying to get the team through. Obviously when you do that you get a lot of attention from your teammates as well. You have to contribute in bits and pieces as well.”
New Zealand lost the ODI series 2-1 but gave some tough competition almost in every match of the series. In the series decider in Kanpur, India won by six runs. Shreyas acknowledged that New Zealand have has very good side compared to others team who have visited India. He said, “I have not attended the team meeting yet. New Zealand has a good side. They are playing well and this team is challenging compared to other teams.”
