Shreyas Iyer's bowling ambitions curbed by fitness coach's restrictions

Shreyas Iyer expressed his eagerness to contribute with the ball for India at the highest stage but cited his back injury as the reason hindering his bowling aspirations. Despite his desire to bowl, recurring injuries have prompted strength and conditioning coaches to restrict his bowling, prioritising his recovery. 

Iyer has bowled a mere 45 balls overs in his international career, conceding 43 runs without a breakthrough. However, he has 10 wickets in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, following India's victory against Australia in the final T20I in Bengaluru on December 3, Iyer expressed his yearning to unleash his bowling skills. 

“I have been longing to bowl, but the strength and conditioning coaches, they are right 'now you are not going to bowl for some time'. That's the sad part of it,” Shreyas told Jio Cinema after the match.

Shreyas Iyer gears up for South Africa challenge

The right-handed batter showcased prowess in the final T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, crafting a fine 53 off 37 deliveries with five fours and two sixes at the crucial No.3 position. His innings anchored India to a total of 160/8. Overall in the series, he amassed 65 runs at an average of 21.67 in three matches. The 28-year-old further displayed his fielding skills by grabbing crucial catches, dismissing Aaron Hardie and Matthew Wade. 

“My mindset was to go boom boom, but when I saw three wickets falling, my mind started calculating. It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. I feel 160 was the right total, which we got eventually. To defend it was a brilliant performance from the team." I'm elated to be honest to see everyone chipping in and contributing for the team," Iyer said of his knock.

Iyer's next destination is South Africa as India gear up for a multi-format series, comprising three T20Is and ODIs each, which will be followed by two Tests. Iyer is only one of the three players, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad and Mukesh Kumar, to be named in all three squads.