India's Shreyas Iyer has concluded an impressive two-month period in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Despite an initial phase marked by uncertainty regarding his position within the team, the 30-year-old finished on a triumphant note, emerging as India's top run-scorer during the successful Champions Trophy campaign. By showcasing his skills in Dubai, Iyer effectively conveyed a strong message to his detractors.

Iyer's susceptibility to short-pitched deliveries has been well-documented, and opposing teams have capitalized on this vulnerability. New Zealand attempted to exploit this weakness during their group match in the Champions Trophy; however, Iyer rose to the occasion, delivering a match-winning performance with a score of 79.

In an interview, Iyer expressed no regrets about missing a century, emphasizing that the victory was far more gratifying. 

"Very, very satisfying. Perhaps I could have reached a hundred, but I have no regrets. In fact, it felt even better because I contributed to a solid total, allowing us to win by 44 runs," he remarked.

When questioned about whether his newfound confidence against short deliveries stemmed from the two sixes he hit off Jofra Archer during the recent ODI series against England in Nagpur, Iyer noted that he had executed similar shots throughout the domestic season.

Regarding confidence, I certainly feel it. Reflecting on my domestic season, I played numerous matches this year and successfully hit sixes off challenging deliveries, which significantly boosted my confidence. From a technical standpoint, I adopted a wider stance that provided a solid foundation, allowing me to generate the necessary power. I was able to replicate this technique during the home series against England and in subsequent matches, he noted.

So, does this address the concerns of his critics? Iyer suggested that he no longer felt the need to convey a specific message, implying that his performance would speak for itself.

"I don’t need to send a message to anyone. My focus is solely on believing in myself and playing my best cricket. The message will naturally come through my performance."

'It’s all a product of dedication'

Having previously discussed how he adjusted his stance during the domestic season to better handle bouncers, Iyer emphasized that this success stemmed from diligent preparation behind the scenes.

"The effort you invest is what truly tests you as an athlete and as a person. Many individuals have supported me throughout this journey, including Amre sir, Abhishek Nayar, my trainer Sagar, and my nutritionist Nicole Kedia," he remarked.

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