Shreyas Iyer, a vital cog in the Indian cricket team’s middle order, has always been a promising talent.
However, his journey has not been devoid of challenges, particularly with his susceptibility to short-pitched deliveries.
This Achilles’ heel was notably exposed in several matches across different formats, leading to his temporary exclusion from the Test team.
However, his return through the domestic circuit has been nothing short of transformative, especially in tackling this specific weakness.
The 2024-25 domestic season saw Shreyas Iyer donning the Mumbai jersey across all major tournaments.
His performances were not just a testament to his skill but also an indication of his improved technique against the short ball.
His stint in domestic cricket provided him with the perfect platform to refine his approach.
The environment of local cricket, where the focus is as much on development as on results, allowed Iyer to experiment and adapt without the intense scrutiny of international cricket.
Shreyas’s transformation was evident in the India vs. England ODI series where he showcased a newfound ease against the bouncers.
Earlier, his response to short deliveries was often characterized by aggressive, sometimes reckless, slogs aimed at clearing the boundary.
This approach had its merits but also left him vulnerable, often leading to his downfall.
Now, the Punjab Kings batter has embraced a more calculated approach.
Rather than going for the jugular with every short ball, Iyer has learned the art of managing the strike, which has been pivotal in his recent success.
Shreyas Iyer Credits His Time In Domestic Cricket
“The break I got in between when I was working with the domestic team, I also got some time to work on my technique. Especially the drop-in shots, which got me singles, not the pulls and cuts; that was more satisfying for me,” Shreyas Iyer revealed post-match.
This statement encapsulates his growth. It’s not just about scoring boundaries but about staying at the crease longer, thereby contributing more substantially to the team’s innings.
His statistics from the ODI series against England further underline this evolution.
In three matches, Iyer scored 181 runs at an impressive average of 60.33 and a strike rate of 123.12, with two half-centuries and a highest score of 78.
These numbers are not just reflective of his batting prowess but also of his mental fortitude and technical adjustment against the short ball.
What made this transformation possible was his time in domestic cricket, where he could work on his game in a less pressured environment.
Here, the focus was on learning and adapting rather than performing under the global spotlight.
Local cricket allowed Iyer to work closely with coaches who could pinpoint areas of improvement without the rush of international schedules.
This bespoke coaching, combined with the opportunity to face a variety of bowling attacks, helped him develop a more nuanced game plan against short deliveries.
Moreover, the camaraderie and the ground-level cricketing culture in domestic cricket offered Iyer a chance to reconnect with the essence of the sport.
It’s often said that cricket at this level is where players find their love for the game again.
For Iyer, this meant revisiting basics, understanding his strengths, and working on his weaknesses in an environment that demanded excellence but also gave room for growth.
This journey back to form and confidence against the short ball through local cricket is a narrative of resilience and hard work.
It highlights how the domestic structure in India is not just a feeder system for the national team but also a rejuvenation center for players needing to find their rhythm and technique back.
Iyer’s story is a blueprint for young cricketers on how to turn setbacks into comebacks.
Shreyas Iyer’s journey through local cricket has been a masterclass in overcoming personal cricketing challenges.
His success in managing short deliveries in the recent ODI series against England is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and the invaluable role of domestic cricket in nurturing and refining talent.
His story is not just about cricketing technique but also about the spirit of perseverance and the continuous journey of becoming a better player.
