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Shreyas Iyer stated that he understands the cut-throat competition to make the Test squad, but if the opportunity comes his way, he is well-prepared to grab it with both hands.
Shreyas Iyer eyeing a Test comeback with Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Screengrab/BCCI)
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to name India’s Test squad for the series Down Under this month. With the domestic season underway, several out-of-favour players are pushing hard to make a case, and Shreyas Iyer is one of them. The Mumbai batter recently roared back to form with a scintillating hundred against Maharashtra, helping his team secure a win. And how he wishes to grab the opportunity to play in Australia and ‘leave a mark’.
Iyer has been through several ups and downs in 2024. After losing his spot in the Test side, the 29-year-old was dropped from the BCCI’s central contract. However, he took small steps towards redemption. He established himself as a leader with the IPL 2024 title win and then returned to the Indian dressing room for the Sri Lanka ODIs. Meanwhile, he has been a regular face in the domestic red-ball matches, having played in the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup and the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Speaking with the Hindustan Times, Iyer expressed his desire to feature in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“As a young boy from Worli to now as a national player, I am living the dream of representing India in every single format that I had as a child. Playing in Australia, especially in a Border-Gavaskar series, is one of the biggest challenges in cricket. The conditions, the rivalry, and the intensity demand everything from you, and these are the moments you want to be part of as a cricketer. I’m preparing myself to grab that opportunity and leave a mark,” Iyer was quoted as saying.
The right-hand batter further stated that he understands the cut-throat competition to make the Test squad, but if the opportunity comes his way, he is well-prepared to grab it with both hands.
“I love being in those situations where the pressure is high. These are the challenges that push you to grow across formats, and I’ve been working on fine-tuning my game to be ready for any format. The competition for places in Indian cricket at the moment is greater than ever before because of the sheer amount of talent that exists in India. There are now a lot more avenues as well for the players to make an impression and make their mark and catch the eyes of the selectors,” Iyer said.
“You have to make an impact every single time you’re on the pitch – that is what I aspire to do. When I get the chance, I will be ready to make an impact because performing at the highest level for India is what it’s all about,” he added.
