Virat Kohli is a role model for all of us, gushes Shreyas Iyer

Having made his India debut just about four months ago, Shreyas Iyer is still coming to grips with the demands of the international game. Now 23, it's safe to say the right-handed batsman is entering the peak years of his career.

Sportskeeda sat down with Iyer for an exclusive interview at a Nike Running event at Don Bosco High School, Matunga, his Alma Mater. From Virat Kolhi's hyperactivity to not worrying about securing a place in the India squad ahead of the 2019 World Cup himself, he spoke about a wide range of topics. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Shreyas, it must be a pretty surreal experience for you coming back to your school.

Yeah, I actually met one of my classmates when I entered the school, I also met the Principal. It's been a good experience for me returning after so many years.

While in school did you always dream of playing for India?

I just played for fun when I was in school, I competed with millions at that point in time. I never thought about playing for the country but at the back of my mind, my dream was to play for India.

While in school, I was just enjoying the process and not thinking about what would happen in the future. I was staying in the present because you get the best when you live in the present.

Would you say your main aim now is cementing your place in the Indian squad ahead of the 2019 Cricket World Cup?

Obviously, but I won't be thinking much about that because I firmly believe in my process and my routine, without worrying about selection. I like to do what's in my hands, which is scoring runs and being consistent. I enjoy doing that.

How difficult is it at the international level to be mentally strong?

I usually do visualisation exercises before matches. I try to visualise my batting and fielding and think about the opposition and what they can possibly plan against me. The same reflects in the game. Even if you're 40-50% successful in visualising, it will really help you get the best out of yourself on the field.

It's also important to not overhype the bowlers in the opposition team. It's important to think about what exactly we are going to execute on the ground and not think about the names associated with the opposition.

What have you learnt from Virat Kohli as a captain?

Kohli, as an individual, is very enthusiastic. He's also hyper and you get to see it on the ground. He loves competition. He's one of the guys who really backs his youngsters, a role model for all of us. The way he performs so consistently, he has set a great benchmark for all of us.

At the international level, do players work on improving their technique anymore?

It's obviously more of a mental thing at the international level. The technique part is done at the U-19 stage. You can keep brushing up as and when required but the main part is the mental frame of mind.

70% is being mentally strong when you reach this stage. You have to back yourself when you're at this level and trust your instincts. Otherwise, it becomes really difficult to settle.

What's the biggest difference you've observed between First-class cricket and International cricket?

The bowling. When you play domestic cricket, you realize that there are always 2 bowlers who are relatively weaker than the others. In the international circuit, all of them are top bowlers for their country. You're always facing the best.