Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer was disappointed not to be included in the national squad for India’s upcoming tours to Zimbabwe and West Indies in spite of his excellent performances in the Ranji trophy. He added also felt that he need not be demoralised as he would just like to continue performing and scoring runs.
The 21-year old was awarded the Domestic Cricketer of the Year for his batting in the 2015-2016 Ranji Trophy season. He played a key role in Mumbai 41st Ranji Trophy win, ending the season with 1321 runs at an average of 73.80.
Speaking to the press after the award ceremony, he said, “Obviously I am a bit disappointed, but you know my job is to keep performing well, just keep scoring runs. It (non-selection) can be a positive (as) it will keep motivating me as a youngster and I will keep working hard, working on my mindset and everything."
Determined to not let this setback affect him, he said, “I will keep performing unless I get into the team. I just want to focus on my game and not on selection or anything."
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Speaking of his role in Mumbai’s historic 41st Ranji Trophy win in the 2015-2016 season, he said, “I was just backing my instincts and just playing positive cricket. We had a good atmosphere in the team. When I was scoring and even when I was not scoring, all were backing me, so when you get that atmosphere, everything goes well."
Shreyas was possibly not picked for the India squad because of his under-par performances in the IPL this season. After being Delhi Daredevils’ top run scorer in IPL 2015 with 439 runs, he could only manage 30 runs in six matches this season at a strike rate of 69.76. He held the dubious honour of having three ducks in the tournament, joint most with Glenn Maxwell.
Commenting on his poor season, he said, “It was just a bad patch I would say because I stuck to my process, everything I was doing well. I tried to maintain myself throughout the season. Even when I wasn't playing, I made sure I helped the team.”
Shreyas Iyer also appreciated Zaheer Khan’s support for him saying that the captain had always backed him and he would never hesitate to speak with him.
