 "Shreyas Iyer replaced Virat Kohli and scored a match-winning fifty. Image: AP")
In his first international match in six months, Shreyas Iyer blasted 59 off just 36 balls and helped India resurrect their innings after quick dismissals of the openers. Team India eventually won the first ODI by four wickets to take a 1-0 in the three-match series against England at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
The interesting bit here is that Iyer was not even in the playing XI on the eve of the game and was only included when Virat Kohli experienced a “knee problem” .
Iyer: ‘Hurried to sleep after Rohit’s call’
Unaware of the changes made to the India XI, Iyer was watching a movie when captain Rohit Sharma informed him that he would be playing the Nagpur ODI.
“So (it is a) funny story. I was watching a movie last night. I thought that I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee,” Iyer told Star Sports.
“And then (I) hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straight away…. I’m going to keep it low-key and just cherish this moment, the victory.” “I wasn’t supposed to play the first game, Virat unfortunately got injured and then I got the opportunity. But I kept myself prepared, I knew that at any point of time I can get a chance to play,” he said.
“The same thing happened with me last year as well during the Asia Cup. I got injured and someone else came and he scored a century.”
Impact Shorts
View AllIyer: ‘Paying in domestic matches taught me a lot’
Iyer, who was dropped from BCCI central contracts last year after skipping domestic matches, said playing for Mumbai over the last year has improved his approach to innings and fitness.
“To be honest, I played throughout the domestic season, it taught me a lot and gave me a decent idea about how to approach my innings, the attitude I have to keep and it’s just the mindset that I’ve improved over a period of time,” Iyer said.
“Also, from the skills point of view, you need to upgrade yourself, elevate and keep learning every now and then. I think I ticked all the boxes right and also my fitness played an important role,” he added.
Besides scoring a couple of centuries including a double ton in the Ranji Trophy this season, Iyer also captained Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy title win.