• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/25/2024
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India batter Shreyas Iyer has spoken out about the back issues he has faced, particularly after the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite raising concerns about his back problems while playing in longer formats, Iyer felt his warnings were not taken seriously. “I was definitely struggling after the World Cup in the longer format,” Iyer, the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), said ahead of the IPL final against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. “When I raised my concern, no one was agreeing to it.”

Battling Through the IPL

Despite his struggles, Iyer emphasised his commitment to performing well for KKR in the IPL. He stated that he aimed to put his best foot forward and hoped the team’s planning and strategies would pay off. “When the IPL was approaching all I wanted to see was that I’ve put my best foot forward and whatever planning and strategising we [KKR] did before it, basically if we could execute it to the best of our abilities, we would have been in a great spot – and that’s where we are right now.”

Iyer’s back issues have been persistent. After recovering from a back injury to make a comeback in the Asia Cup, he played in the ODI World Cup in October-November. In early 2024, he was selected for the first two home Tests against England but was left out for the remaining three Tests due to back spasms. Although cleared for selection by BCCI medical staff, Iyer missed several Ranji Trophy games for his domestic team, Mumbai, citing “back spasms.”

Iyer’s participation in a KKR pre-season camp while missing a Ranji Trophy game drew scrutiny. He returned to play in the Ranji Trophy semifinals and finals but had already lost his central BCCI contract. BCCI secretary Jay Shah warned players not to prioritise IPL over domestic cricket. Despite fulfilling the minimum match criteria set by the board, Iyer lost his central contract.

Also read Decision to Drop Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from BCCI Central Contract Was Ajit Agarkar’s: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah

Preparation and Adaptation

Discussing his preparations for the IPL, Iyer acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from red-ball to white-ball cricket. “The transformation from red-ball cricket to white ball, it’s kind of difficult as a batsman and also as a bowler, I feel. It was kind of difficult at the start but once you get used to it, I think you pick up the pace and march on with the other players.”

Shreyas Iyer’s candid revelation highlights the challenges athletes face with injuries and the complex dynamics between players and cricket boards regarding health and selection decisions. Despite his struggles, his commitment to KKR and the IPL underscores his dedication and resilience as a professional cricketer.