Shreyas Iyer is calling the shots on constant criticism

Shreyas Iyer, one of India’s most consistent middle-order batters, recently voiced his frustration with the unsolicited advice he often receives about his batting technique, particularly when it comes to facing short-pitched deliveries. Iyer has proven himself as a pivotal figure in India’s batting lineup, especially during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he scored an impressive 530 runs in 11 innings at an average of 66.25. His tally included two centuries and three fifties, making him one of the standout performers of the tournament.

Despite his consistency, there has been persistent criticism about Iyer’s ability to handle fast, short-pitched deliveries. This ongoing chatter has irked the 28-year-old, who feels that people offering such advice often lack the experience of facing deliveries at the international level. Iyer pointed out that many of these critics have never dealt with the kind of pace and pressure he faces in professional cricket, and therefore, don’t have the credibility to comment on his technique directly. Iyer’s frustration is understandable, as his performances in high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup have proven his skills and adaptability. While the short-pitched delivery remains a topic of debate, Iyer continues to focus on his game and has made it clear that the unsolicited opinions don’t affect his determination to succeed at the highest level.

“It’s irritating, especially when it comes from people, who haven’t faced 150 km per hour delivery, advising you to play in a particular way. But I would say it is their opinion. They have all the right to talk, but they can talk between themselves not to the player directly," stated Shreyas Iyer said in a recent interview. 

Despite the constant external criticism, Shreyas Iyer has stayed committed to improving his game. To enhance his power-hitting skills, the talented middle-order batter has been drawing inspiration from unconventional sources, including studying baseball techniques. This innovative approach reflects his determination to evolve as a more dynamic player, particularly in situations where explosive batting is required. On the other hand, Iyer's career faced a brief setback when he reportedly skipped a domestic match for Mumbai, which led to his exclusion from the BCCI’s annual central contract list for 2024-25. While this raised eyebrows, Iyer's value in the IPL remains undeniable.

In the IPL 2025 auction, the Punjab Kings snapped him up for an eye-watering INR 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in the league's history. This hefty price tag demonstrates the immense faith placed in Iyer’s abilities by franchise teams, with his consistency and potential as a game-changer evident in his performances, especially during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite the challenges, Iyer continues to forge ahead, determined to prove himself both for India and in the IPL.

“During the auction, we were in Hyderabad, watching it from our rooms and I was expecting a good amount. But I never thought that I would exceed a point and there would be so much competition between two teams over me. Overall, I was thrilled. After a certain point, I shut the door, went into the washroom and I was like, I don’t want to listen to what’s happening," Iyer noted. 

Shreyas Iyer has been named in India's 15-member squad for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. His inclusion comes as no surprise given his stellar performances, particularly during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he played a crucial role in the middle order. Iyer’s consistency with the bat, including several match-winning knocks, has made him a key figure in India's white-ball plans. Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Iyer will also feature in the three-match ODI series against England, providing him with an excellent opportunity to fine-tune his form and contribute to India’s preparations for the tournament. His selection in the Champions Trophy squad is a testament to his resilience and ability to bounce back from criticism, as well as his potential to shine on the global stage.