Time is running fast and thankfully in the right direction for Shreyas Iyer. After bursting onto the scenes in IPL 2015, Iyer tasted international cricket within two years and took greater strides the following year, going on to lead the Delhi Daredevils in the recently concluded IPL. Despite his meteoric rise, Iyer is not resting on his laurels. In fact, he has already set his sights on the ODI World Cup in 2019, slated to take place in England.
Well aware of the tooth and nail fight for a spot in the Indian middle order, Iyer had no intention of hiding his desperation to be a part of the Indian side for next year’s ODI World Cup.
“I am desperate, very desperate. It is my dream to play World Cup and next year it's going to be in England,” Iyer told DNA.
The Mumbai batsman made his ODI debut earlier this year in South Africa and went to play all six matches, shoving aside his biggest contender for the No.4 spot, Manish Pandey. Iyer scored 210 runs in ODI series in South Africa with two half-centuries and more than the weight of his runs, it was the manner in which he played that caught the eye.
That was just the beginning of his success and it did not change even after surprisingly landing up as the Daredevils captain in the middle of the season in IPL after Gautam Gambhir stood down.
Iyer’s calmness while leading the side and his outstanding returns as a batsman meant it was impossible to ignore him for the limited overs series in England.
“This (England ODI series) is going to be a platform where I am keen to prove myself that I am up for the big level. I have also proved in the past that I belong to the highest level. Yes, it is going to be a great opportunity for me in England since the World Cup is going to be held there next year. My preparations has been throughout the year, it's just time to go out and execute there,” added Iyer.
Despite his staggering numbers, Iyer was ignored for the one-off Test against Afghanistan even though he was considered as the first choice after Virat Kohli was given a rest.
“I am not disappointed at all. I have been scoring consistently, I am satisfied with what I am doing right now. As I have said before, the selection part is not in my hands. Scoring is. I'm doing my job and it's up to the selectors. They would be under pressure if I'm doing well,” Iyer said.
About the competition for a place in the Indian batting line-up, Iyer said two different Indian teams could be made with the amount of talent available now.
“The competition level that we are facing is tremendous. There have been individuals performing. We can actually make two Indian teams with so many talented players around.”
India will play three T20Is and three ODIs followed by the five-match Test series in England and Iyer feels it will be another opportunity to cement the spot in the side.
“I am looking forward to it. Not that I am going there for the first time, I have been there after the U-19 World Cup where I played for a club. It will be a great challenge for me — not only to prove myself but also contribute something to the team. Especially, playing a part in winning the series will be a great feeling. I am just preparing for the same. I am also playing India A matches (tri series) over there. It would be a great practice for me before we head for the ODIs.”