Shreyas Iyer has a knack of delivering as a skipper. Despite being sidelined from the Indian team for long, the Mumbaikar took his side to trophy wins in Ranji Trophy last year, Irani Cup win after 27 years, IPL win for KKR, and now Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. That makes a strong case for him to make an India comeback, but the domestic veteran wants to “stay in the present”.
Another Title for Shreyas Iyer
At the IPL Auction last month, he became the second costliest player in the history of the IPL — at 26.75 Cr by PBKS, and now turned up well for Mumbai at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, again. “The best learning I have got from all these things is to stay in the present — enjoy the moment. Once I start to think about the future and the past, I am in a cluster,” Iyer told the media. “For me, I seek happiness when I am sitting right here talking to you. Stay in the present.
“(I am) certainly feeling ecstatic to be having so many trophies under the belt. It gives you a lot of motivation and it is inspiring as well at the same time because I know the expectation will be higher now and there will be pressure,” he said.
Mumbai Win Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
“We are such a team, Mumbai, where we have built a mindset in the dressing room and on the field that no matter whatever situation we are put in, we are going to face it head on,” he said.
Meanwhile, apart from his own exploits, one of the key reasons for Mumbai’s success in this year’s SMAT was Ajinkya Rahane performance. The senior pro scored 469 runs in 8 matches. “The amount of input he provides on the field and off the field is tremendous. Even on the field, you have to see how proactive he is throughout, running here and there. If the chips are down, he will be the first person to come and give you advice,” Iyer said.
