Shreyas Iyer Hits Back At Critics Questioning His Short-Ball Woes

Shreyas Iyer has hit back at critics questioning his short-ball woes, saying that he has no problems with the short ball and that batters who go on the offensive often get out.

Mumbai, Nov 2: India batter Shreyas Iyer has hit back at critics who have questioned his ability to play the short ball, saying that he has no problem with it and that he is working on improving his game.

Iyer's counter-attack

Iyer was speaking to the media after his match-winning 82 against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI on Sunday. He was asked about his perceived weakness against the short ball, and he responded defiantly.

"When you say it's a problem for me, what do you mean? Troubled me? Have you seen how many pull shots I've scored? Especially, which has gone for four? In my mind, I have no problems with the short ball," Iyer said.

Iyer said that he understands that batsmen who go on the offensive are bound to get out sometimes.

"If you're trying to hit a ball, you're bound to get out anyway. Irrespective of its a short ball, or it's an over-pitch. If I get bowled two or three times, you all would say that OK he can't play an in-swinging ball or he can't play a cut if the ball is seaming," Iyer said.

"We, as players, are bound to get out on any sort of deliveries. You guys have created that environment outside that he can't play a short ball. And I feel that people are picking that up every now and then and it plays on your mind regularly and you keep working on that," Iyer added.

Iyer's experience at Wankhede

Iyer said that he has played a majority of his domestic cricket at the Wankhede Stadium, his homeground, and he knows it well in terms of tackling the short ball.

"Coming from Mumbai, especially from Wankhede, where the bounce is pretty much even and it bounces way more than any other pitches. So, I've played the majority of my games here, so I know how to tackle it," he said.

Iyer said that in his mind he knows there's no issue when it comes to facing the short ball.

"It's just that when I go to hit some shots, you are bound to get out and sometimes it may work, sometimes it may not. And the majority of the times it hasn't worked for me, maybe that's the reason you think it's a problem for me. But in my mind, I know there's no problem," he said.

Iyer's recovery from injury

Iyer admitted that it was very difficult for him to move after his back injury he suffered earlier this year. He sat out for more than six months, having undergone surgery to overcome the problem, but Iyer seemed completely dismissive.

"Yes, it was a difficult ride to come out of an injury, especially in terms of fielding. I wasn't able to move as I used to before. But the trainers and the physios, they worked pretty hard on me, especially in terms of recovering after the games, because 50 overs, it takes a lot of toll on your body," he said.

Iyer's praise for India's bowlers

Iyer said that the experience of India's bowling attack put together makes them a lethal unit and more importantly helps them decide on the right plan of action during a game.

"They are so experienced. They know exactly what is happening on the field. And as a batsman, we keep exchanging our information, especially if you're going to bat next.

"They come in and they talk about the conditions, what is happening and in that conversation the bowlers are also around and they also watch what is happening on the field," Iyer said.

The troika knows the art of picking wickets.

"I feel they are experienced enough to pick up how the wicket is playing and what they'll be able to execute in the second innings, if we are bowling second. If they are bowling first, then definitely they are individual bowlers to know what is happening. And they're so experienced that we don't have to tell them basically anything," Iyer added.

Iyer's 82 against Sri Lanka was a timely reminder of his talent and he will be hoping to continue his good form in the upcoming series against New Zealand.