KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has shed light on the back problems that plagued him in the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy, leading to significant consequences. The right-handed batsman's absence from Ranji Trophy matches ultimately cost him a spot on the BCCI's central contract list for the 2024-25 season.
Confusion surrounded Iyer's back injury. After the second Test against England, he reported discomfort playing longer innings. However, the National Cricket Academy cleared him of any concerns. Despite this clearance, he was dropped from the Test squad due to a lackluster performance in the first two matches. Originally expected to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, Iyer ultimately withdrew due to the same back issue. Media reports indicated he was battling back spasms. He then chose to attend the Kolkata Knight Riders' pre-season camp instead of playing for Mumbai. While he did participate in the Ranji Trophy semi-final later, it proved too little, too late, as he missed out on securing a central contract.
Shreyas Iyer's decision to prioritize the KKR camp over the Ranji Trophy raised eyebrows with BCCI officials, according to media reports. At the time, Iyer remained silent about the back issues that ultimately sidelined him. However, ahead of the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he finally addressed the media, revealing he'd been struggling with his back since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup. Iyer also expressed frustration at the lack of support he received, suggesting no one believed his claims.
“I was struggling after the World Cup in the longer format. When I raised my concerns, no one agreed to it. But at the same time, the competition is with myself. When I came, the IPL was approaching. All I wanted to see to it that I put in my best effort forward and whatever planning and strategizing we did before it was basically if we execute it to the best of our abilities we would have been in a great spot and that is where we are right now,” Shreyas said in the pre-match press-conference.
"And the transformation from red ball to white-ball is kind of difficult as a batter and also as a bowler I feel. Yeah it was kind of difficult at the start but once you get used to it I think you pick up the pace and match on with other players," he added.
Shreyas Iyer sets sights on first IPL trophy
Despite the recent disappointment of missing out on a BCCI central contract, Shreyas Iyer has bounced back with a stellar IPL season. Now, he stands just one victory away from claiming his first-ever IPL title. Leading the Kolkata Knight Riders with impressive captaincy, Iyer aims to secure another win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Sunday's (May 26th) final. His batting contributions have also been significant, amassing 345 runs in 14 matches, including two well-crafted fifties.
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