Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Shreyas Iyer is silencing the doubters and focusing on the upcoming IPL 2024 season after a whirlwind month filled with injuries and negative press.
Injury Concerns Cast Shadow for Shreyas Iyer
Iyer’s lead-up to the IPL was marred by a recurring back injury. He was recently dropped from the BCCI’s central contracts list for skipping the Ranji Trophy final despite scoring 95 runs while battling the injury. However, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) cleared him to play in the IPL with a caution – to avoid lunging movements. Despite these concerns, Iyer insists he’s in peak condition.
“I don’t want to think about what the doctor has said, what the injury was because, as I mentioned previously, when you over-think, put your focus on the injury, and in that moment, forget about what you’re doing the best,” Iyer said.
Tuning Out the Noise ahead of IPL 2024
“I don’t want to dwell on the past or the injury,” Shreyas Iyer asserted in a press conference before KKR’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Overthinking just hinders my performance.” He’s prioritizing the present and putting all negativity aside to lead his team to victory.
Mentally Prepared and Physically Ready: Shreyas Iyer
Iyer feels confident with his preparation. “I’ve been training diligently, hitting the nets extensively, and batting for longer durations,” he declared. He’s focused on learning from past mistakes and constantly improving.
Eyes on Prize: IPL 2024
“The goal is to win the IPL,” Iyer stated definitively. He acknowledges the external pressure but emphasizes the importance of staying present-minded.
Fresh Start for KKR
This season also marks the return of Gautam Gambhir, a two-time IPL-winning captain, as KKR’s mentor. Iyer welcomes Gambhir’s guidance and experience.
“He’s a strategic powerhouse and his IPL wins speak for themselves,” Shreyas Iyer said. “He knows the venue and opponents well.”
KKR haven’t lifted the trophy since 2014 and finished a disappointing seventh in the last two seasons. With a revamped bowling attack featuring the expensive signing of Mitchell Starc, the team is looking to bounce back.
“Starc’s presence is a huge advantage,” Iyer said. “His experience in all phases of the game is invaluable, especially for our younger players.”
KKR are determined to overcome challenges and enter the season with high spirits. Shreyas Iyer is leading the charge, focused on the game and ready to silence the critics with his performance.
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