Shreyas Iyer: A man of his word

Fighting against all odds, Shreyas proves that he’s not just a man of his word but also a man who believes in himself as much as he believes in the power of hard work and luck.

As I sat next to him, overwhelmed with the idea of interviewing an India Cricketer, I realised that the best antidote to my nervousness was making small talk. And I call it the ‘best’ simply because the same thought must’ve occurred to him as he initiated a conversation with me.

“You’re from Mumbai?” he asked as we both settled in our chairs. “Delhi, flew in just for you,” I replied promptly. As I engaged with him further, I realised that even on the days of his shoots, his training and gym time is never compromised, much like his spirit which keeps him going even in tough conditions.

Had I not known him for who he was, a celebrated cricketer who has spent years playing the sport with so much love, dedication and responsibility as he represented India, I would definitely have been fooled by his humility.

No air of superficiality or superiority surrounded him. He was kind and patient and answered with sincerity that reflected in each of his responses. Whether it was holding his old friend Abhishek Nayyar’s words close to his heart as one of the best pieces of advice he’d ever heard or speaking about how he felt when he became the captain of KKR despite there being several experienced players in the team, his earnest and unfettered energy encapsulated the room and all of us sitting there. For good reason, no less.

Which has been the favourite cricket match that you've played in your life?

My favourite cricket match was obviously getting a century for India against New Zealand and it was in Hamilton which was outside of India so it's something that has stayed in my mind and probably one of my best knocks.

What was that feeling, that moment like for you?

I was getting goosebumps. I remember the day before the game I saw this board inside the dressing room where all the people who have played on that particular ground they had scored centuries, toh maine socha ki yaar mera bhi naam agar aayega to kitna achha lagega and then the next day you know as we say when you manifest something you get it next day so I was on cloud nine with that feeling.

Mumbai is such a difficult city to live in also because it's fast-paced, it's relentless, right? Even the cricket culture in Mumbai is very intense, I am sure. So how does it feel having made it now?

I never feel that I've made it to be honest because I am insatiable in my approach. I am always hungry for something more if I achieve something, I am looking for something ahead even though I am thankful and grateful for where I am, but there's a lot of learning that I carry forward. I'm never satisfied with anything, that hunger is always there.

There were a lot of senior members in the team back in the day when you were handed captaincy for Delhi Capitals, yet you were chosen. How did you feel in that moment?

It was an overwhelming feeling because there were so many players on the team who had played at the international level and I had just come into the picture at that point in time. I never imagined that I would be captaining so early but at the back of my mind, I was prepared for it being handed over to me at any given point. 

So mentally, I was there and I was ready, and the only thing I had to crack as a captain was to perform and deliver in the first game itself, and thankfully, I got 93 not out in that first game, so I was blessed to be in that situation. Inevitably the confidence shifted towards me and from my teammates and that's what I wanted at that point of time and from there on I led for 2-3 years again for Delhi and it was a fantastic journey.

You’re the captain for Kolkata Knight Riders, how is that turning out to be for you?

Brilliant. Last year I didn't lead the side but I was watching the games from outside and I was a bit disappointed but you know I got through that phase but the first year when I led for KKR, I think the management, the support staff everyone were quite cordial and welcoming when I was the captain so I had a beautiful journey with them as well.

It is said that one really needs to be mentally tough to be an Indian cricketer or to be an athlete, but Novak Djokovic said that being mentally tough is not a gift, it is something that can be learned and practised. Do you agree?

Absolutely. I feel that it comes from meditation, visualisation and all these things that we don't give that much importance to because of the way you breathe in a pressure situation. It's something that dictates your body language and also that of your self-belief. 

You can observe so many people on the field during pressure situations, their body language, their outlook in general change so much. So I feel all these things, when practised, can define your body language and basically help you overcome those hurdles.

What is the hardest thing you have to give up to be where you are today?

I personally feel that you don't have to give up anything, it's a choice at the end of the day that you make.