Shreyas Iyer has grown out of his comfort zone to provide India with some stability at No. 4 in the limited-overs cricket. The Indian cricketer has given the team selectors a definitive performance in the ODI series during New Zealand tour. The 25-year-old batter had set a fine example of a batsman to bat judiciously at the number four spot, only to ease some of the pain of the selectors.
In the recently-concluded India’s tour of New Zealand, Iyer has been at his finest form in the limited-overs leg. The right-hander has added a century and two half-centuries to his name while playing in the three-match ODI series against the Black Caps.
When the best of the batsmen struggled against the bowling attacks of New Zealand, Iyer partnered with KL Rahul and scored runs for the Men in Blue.
However, his immaculate performance in ODIs could not impress India’s team management – to name him in either of the two-Test fixtures.
After the New Zealand tour, Iyer is buckling up for another One-Day International series against South Africa. Post the three-match Proteas series, Iyer will be seen leading the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 13th edition of the famous Indian Premier Lague (IPL).
To play Test Cricket, will be like a dream come true: Shreyas Iyer
However, before prepping for the upcoming white-ball game, Iyer addressed his desire to debut in the Test cricket. Like every other budding cricketer’s career, Iyer caught the national selectors’ eyes with his continuing brilliant illustrations in the domestic cricket.
After giving his best in the domestic red-ball cricket, Iyer expressed his wish to play in the Test cricket for the national team.
“I’ve grown up playing red-ball cricket. Once that is imbibed in you as a cricketer, it is never going to go away. No cricketer, who has spent a good amount of time playing red-ball cricket will ever quit aspiring to play Test cricket,” Iyer said.
The right-handed batsman has played a total of 92 innings in the 54 matches of the First-Class cricket. Iyer has amassed a total of 12 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
Adding further, Iyer said that any cricketer playing at the international level in cricket will aspire to play in the Test cricket as well.
The 26-year-old batsman wishes to soon be donning the white jersey for India and play in the five-day-long cricket version.
“It’s a different feeling. It may sound like a cliche, but playing Test cricket is a dream and I hope it comes true soon. Don’t think it’s just me who thinks that way. Anybody who aspires to play the game at the highest level will always aspire to play Test cricket. Then it’s all about how capable you are,” the Mumbaikar added.
For now, Iyer will feature in the three-match ODI series of India against South Africa.
The series will commence from 12th March as the first match will take place in Dharamsala. The third and last match of the series will be hosted by Eden Gardens on March 18.