I believe in treating each ball on its merit and that is how I play all formats: Shreyas Iyer

Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer said that clarity of thoughts and having a free mind are what he focusses on while going out to bat. The 27-year-old made his debut in 2017, but only became a regular member of the team after the 2019 World Cup where India crashed out in the series. Thereafter, Iyer emerged as a solution to India’s No.4 slot in limited-overs cricket.

Back in November, Iyer made an impressive debut in Test cricket after he scored a century against New Zealand in India’s first innings of the Kanpur Test followed by a half-century in the second. The game ended in a draw, but Iyer bagged the Player of the Match. The youngster said that irrespective of the format he’s playing in, he prefers to treat balls on their merit.

I have had considerable experience in the Ranji Trophy, says Shreyas Iyer

“I always walk into bat with a clear mind. When you’re batting, you can’t have your mind cluttered with too many things and plan your next shot before the ball is delivered. I believe in treating each ball on its merit and that is how I play all formats,” Iyer was quoted as saying in an interview with Indian Express.

“Yes, you are eager and have a positive nervousness for your first run but at that moment, I just wanted to trust myself on each shot I was playing or attempting,” he stated.

Before his Test debut, Iyer didn’t play first-class cricket for around three years. The right-hander said that he believes in his potential and tries not to over-complicate things.

“I have had considerable experience in the Ranji Trophy circuit where I have developed certain processes around my technique. So, I didn’t try to over-complicate things. I just focused on the processes and mindset that have worked for me in the past,” Iyer added.

After his incredible showing against the Black Caps, Iyer found his way into the Test squad for the three-match series against South Africa. The Indian players are already in the land of the Proteas and the opening Test is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.