Middle-order batter for India Shreyas Iyer believes that pressure is always present when representing the national team and that he would rather stick to his processes than worry about the tough competition for spots in the run-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup.
"When you play for the Indian team, I believe pressure is unavoidable; you cannot control it. As much as I know I should try to focus on myself and not think about the competition, I just tune out the outside noise and make sure my routine and processes are in order."
"That is what I concentrate on whenever I approach a match or any opponent on the field. Looking forward to a fantastic season, all geared up and hoping for a fantastic game, "In a pre-match chat with broadcasters ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, Iyer said.
Iyer had a fantastic year in One-Day Internationals last year, scoring 724 runs at an average of 55.69 in 15 innings. His ability to rotate the strike and bat well against spin in the middle overs will come in handy on Indian pitches during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
"It was an exciting year for me in 2022, and I was overjoyed with my results. When I reflect on what I've learned over the last year, one thing stands out: patience. My shot selection was less flamboyant."
"I used to plan my innings meticulously, and my temperament carried me through difficult situations. So that's what I looked at from the previous year. I tried to play to the circumstances, and it worked out pretty well for me "He went on to say.
Iyer signed off by saying he studies bowlers and envisages their plans to him, but reacts to them instinctively through his shots on-field. "You need to study the bowlers right before the game. I try to visualise the opposition, what the bowlers would be bowling at me and what would be their planning. So, I try to analyse all these small things and let my instincts take over once I enter the ground."