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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer aims to block all negative thoughts and focus on winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Iyer missed the previous edition due to an injury. Recently, he was troubled by back spasms and pulled out of a Ranji Trophy 2023-24 game which led to him losing out on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) central contract. Iyer played in the Ranji Trophy final and does not want to focus on the injury or what the doctor told him.
"I don't want to think about what the doctor has said, what the injury was because, as I mentioned previously, when you over-think, put your focus on the injury, and in that moment, forget about what you're doing the best," Iyer told the media ahead of KKR’s campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
"So, I want to put all these things aside and focus on what's there for me on the plate," the skipper said.
Ahead of his return to IPL, Iyer feels he has confidence in his preparations.
"I have ticked the boxes in every way possible so I am in high spirits," Iyer added.
"Right now, if I look at myself, I feel that I'm in the best shape possible. I played so many years in the IPL so it's not that I am completely distant from it. Personally, my preparation has been top-notch." He has done the hard yards and is ready for the big challenge.
"I've been doing my training regularly, I've been hitting the balls, and I've been batting for longer periods of time. So, that is something I'm thriving on."
Iyer lauds mentor Gambhir
Among the current captains in the tournament, Iyer is the most experienced. He is happy to be playing under the two-time IPL-winning captain Gautam Gambhir who has joined the Kolkata-based franchise as their mentor.
"He brings a lot of inputs. Strategically strong, having won two IPLs. Knows a lot about the venue and the opposition teams. Chandu sir (head coach Chandrakant Pandit) and Gautam sir give a lot of inputs. When I talk to them in practice, I get a lot of inputs,” he said.
"I have worked with him previously in a different franchise (Delhi) and I know what his mindset is. He is a fearless guy and he gives you a lot of freedom as a captain and also as a player.
"So, I am basically honoured to be playing under him and it gives a lot of pleasure for other players as well in the team to go and express themselves with freedom.
"Boys are in high spirits, to be honest. For me, particularly coming after a year, it gives me great pleasure to be back with the team. Looking at the spirits, I am also motivated internally."
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