India’s middle order batsman Shreyas Iyer explained why he kept getting bowled by short pitches by England in the postponed fifth Test at Edgbaston while discussing his difficulties with short-pitch deliveries. Notably, in the first innings, the 28-year-old Iyer was dismissed for 15 runs by the seasoned James Anderson, and in the second, with the score at 19, Matthew Potts defeated him. His difficulties persisted in the shorter formats as well, and they soon raised concerns. However, the cricketer explained that he was out because English bowlers were bowling so well and that was why.
“Talking about the first innings at Edgbaston, it was a terrific delivery (off James Anderson) and it seemed after pitching and swung in the air. Any player would have gotten out to that one. In the second innings (off Matthew Potts), I tried to play the pull and was caught. In my mind, I never thought I struggled. About the noise that has been created outside, I like to turn a deaf ear to it and keep things simple. I love the line that ignorance is bliss. That’s what I do,” Iyer told the Times of India. The Kolkata Knight Riders captain did well in the white-ball competition but was not selected for the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. He acknowledged that it was disappointing but also highlighted its advantages.
“I tell myself that it’s not the end of the world. You will get many chances. You also must realize that there will be opportunities to succeed in things even outside international cricket. Playing domestic cricket is a great way to share your experiences with other players and try and help them if you can. When I didn’t make the cut for the World Cup, it gave me a chance to work on myself, help Mumbai win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and keep playing and keep learning. Yes, it is disappointing to miss out on playing ICC events, but I am someone who likes to learn from setbacks and failures,” Iyer said.
