'Maybe I was typecast. An athlete needs to...': Shreyas Iyer on perceived weakness against short ball in last 2 years

Shreyas Iyer has been a top performer for India in ODIs. Iyer has bolstered India's middle order with his expertise against spin and ability to accelerate.

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Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer of India looks on during a India Training Session at Dubai International Stadium on March 08, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Highlights:

Shreyas Iyer was India's top run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Iyer will lead Punjab Kings in IPL 2025.

PBKS will be the third IPL franchise Iyer will be leading.

India's dependable no.4 batter Shreyas Iyer has opened up on perceptions that were built exaggerating his weakness against the short ball. Iyer did get out to a short ball in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but was India's highest run-scorer in the tournament. Also, he got out to the short ball after scoring a half-century against New Zealand in the group stage match. 

"Maybe, the perception was created or maybe I was typecast. But I always knew my strengths, my abilities and (there was also) the belief (that) I had in myself," Iyer told PTI ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. 

 

 

Iyer has emerged as the answer to India's middle order woes. He focused on the need to stay positive and evolve his game. 

"An athlete needs to constantly evolve as the sport keeps changing its dynamics. I am glad I kept a positive frame of mind, and trusted my process," he said.

 

 

Iyer had a rollercoaster of last few years. After scoring more than 500 runs in ODI World Cup 2023, he sustained a back injury in Hyderabad Test against England. He lost his central contract with the Board of Control for India (BCCI) as he was punished for missing a domestic game. Then, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the Indian Premier League (IPL) title. He did not get picked in T20I or Test side but continued to prove his mettle in domestic cricket. However, Iyer took learnings from it and continued to work hard.

"I kept my process simple. Tried not to over-think the situation and to continue doing my work honestly. I always had the belief that my performance and my sincerity will bring back the opportunity," the Mumbai batter said. 

 

 

Iyer thanks coach and trainer

Iyer credited coach Pravin Amre and trainer Sagar for his power-hitting and improved fitness. 

"It allowed me to learn a lot, reassess the situation and prepare a routine to add additional skills in my armoury. 

 

 

ALSO READ: 'They would focus on 2-3 players only. There was no camaraderie, players didn't gel properly': CSK's two-time IPL-winner who played one match for RCB

"Looking back, I am happy with the outcome, the way I managed the situation and importantly, belief in my abilities. Lots and lots of hard work went behind it.

 

 

"From my coach Pravin Amre sir to my trainer Sagar, everyone worked around my needs. The two of them really helped me create power and the force which you see in my batting now," the 30-year-old recalled.

 

 

ALSO READ: 'Maybe sleep at 10 PM instead of 11 PM': Punjab Kings' star player's advice to 'underrated' Prithvi Shaw, believes he can be India's next great opener

Iyer, Ponting have their work cut out

Iyer has been reunited with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting at Punjab Kings (PBKS). The franchise hopes Iyer and Ponting will help them end their streak of not qualifying for playoffs and lead them to maiden IPL title. 

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