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When India’s T20I squad for the three-T20I series against Afghanistan was announced, Shreyas Iyer was one of the notable omissions. After warming the benches in the T20I series against South Africa, Iyer was dropped from the side. Meanwhile, there were reports that Iyer was dropped due to disciplinary issues and an action will be taken. The reports were falsified by head coach Rahul Dravid who made it clear that Iyer was simply dropped from the side. During the three-T20I series against Afghanistan, Iyer represented Mumbai against Andhra Pradesh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24. The 29-year-old decided to keep his focus on the task at hand as he reacted to the snub.
"Well, see, right now I'm in the present," he told the reporters after Mumbai’s 10-wicket win. "I finished with a match which I was asked to play. I came and I executed (my plans). So I'm happy with what I'm doing. I cannot say something that is not in my control."
Under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership, Iyer walked in to bat at no.5 in the first innings. He contributed with a run-a-ball 48 that featured seven fours. He missed his half-century after edging it to the wicketkeeper off Nitish Reddy's bowling. He made it clear that he wants to attack the bowlers no matter what.
"I am going to play attacking irrespective of the situation," Iyer said. "When you bowl negative, when you (they) bowl safe and defensive at the start (what can you do). You want to score runs and you need to take your team through up to a certain point. That was my mindset and that's what I stuck with. I was happy (with the performance) irrespective of the score."
So far, it is clear that England players will face a spin challenge on turning tracks in India. However, Iyer did not get an ideal preparation for the Test series as the BCK Stadium in Mumbai did not favour spinners to such extent despite Shams Mulani’s 10-wicket haul.
"Well, it wasn't a turning track, to be honest," Iyer said after playing his first Ranji match in five years. "But other than that it was just for my match fitness to stay on the field as long as possible. That's what mainly I was focusing on because especially after my injury, it has been tough for me to stick on the wicket and on the outfield for long. So this was a great practice for me after five years."
The Test series will begin on January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
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