Shreyas Iyer strokes the canvas with big, bold brush. His batting has freshness and freedom.
Just 20, he is the hottest young batsman on the domestic scene. An uncapped cricketer, this Mumbai right-hander was snapped up by Delhi Daredevils for a whopping Rs. 2.6 crore. Undaunted by pressure, he became the highest run-getter for the side with 439 runs at a strike rate of 128.36. He was named the Emerging Player of IPL-8.
Shreyas has been impressive for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. In 10 first class games, he has 804 runs at 50.56.
The Hindu caught up with Shreyas when he was in Chennai, representing BPCL (Mumbai) in the all-India YSCA Trophy tournament.
Many compare you with Rohit Sharma. Have you actually got to talk to Rohit about this?
There have been comparisons but I don’t want to be compared with anyone. I want to be myself, with my own style and identity.
No, I have not spoken to Rohit about this.
How difficult is it for a young batsman like you to make the transition from first class cricket to the Twenty20 format?
I was lucky that I got to open for Delhi Daredevils. I got more deliveries to face.
But basically I have an attacking game even when I bat in first class cricket.
You just have to make a few adjustments mentally. Your upbringing in Mumbai cricket makes you strong in the mind.
Was there a lot of pressure on you to perform after you were bought for Rs. 2.6 crore at the IPL auction?
I do not play for money. I want to play the game to the best of my ability. If I do that everything will follow.
I got a lot of calls and messages after the auction but did not let that to work on my mind. I did not put myself under any stress.
You play plenty of shots off the back foot…
I have a back-and-across movement which sets me up nicely for the back-footed shots. I play the cut shot a lot and I essay the hook.
But I do not pull that much.
The toughest bowler you have faced so far?
Mitchell Starc. He’s a left-armer, he’s fast, accurate and he swings the ball.
How was your experience with the Delhi Daredevils?
(There was) Very good atmosphere in the team! Gary Kirsten is such an experienced coach. Pravin Amre ‘sir’ has always helped me with my batting. (Sridharan) Sriram ‘sir’ would often speak to me about the mental aspect.
How do you unwind?
I play football. Chelsea is my favourite side.
I listen to the songs of Arjit Singh and Ed Sheeran.
Your family has roots in South India…
My parents are born and brought up in Mumbai. But my ancestors are from Thrissur, Kerala.
Any movie that inspired you?
Yes, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag . It made a big impact on me.
The batsman you admire
AB de Villiers. He has so many shots.
How near, or far, is the India cap?
I will play for India soon.
