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| Edited By: Taus Rizvi |Source: DNA |Updated: May 31, 2018, 06:55 AM IST
India batsman and Delhi Daredevils captain Shreyas Iyer talks to Taus Rizvi on being a captain in IPL, curbing his aggressive instinct and forthcoming England tour. Excerpts:
It was really good because I won four games out of seven. Suddenly getting the responsibility (of captaining DD) from the franchisee, Gautam Gambhir showed their faith in me. It was really motivating and also at the same time, I was under pressure because a lot was there at stake. All the eyes were on me. But I was happy as well. I got the responsibility, it tends to (help you) mature really fast and it also helped motivate my performances as well. It turned out to be good and I was happy with the way it turned out.
The last three-fours years which I have been playing domestic cricket and international, I learnt a lot. I wouldn't say it has been great or fantastic, but it has been a roller-coaster journey. It has not been of the same level, which I expected. There have been ups and downs, but majority of the times I have performed well. You always tend to learn whenever you fail. Even when you do good, you tend to learn a lot. That's what I have been doing for the last two years. It has helped me develop as a cricketer.
It was surprising, to be honest because I wasn't expecting it — Gautam Gambhir turning it down. We expected him to lead the team throughout the season. It was surprising but I was prepared for it. I was hoping that after some years, I would be leading the team. I was prepared in my mind. I have led a few teams prior to the IPL, led in Mumbai T20 as well as DY Patil T20 tournament. I was prepared for such a situation. Thankfully, everything turned out really well.
See, we didn't drop him. He decided to stay out. We all know that he gave up the captaincy. He said he wanted to give an opportunity to a young opener, thus, Prithvi (Shaw) came in and he started doing well. He (Gambhir) has won IPL twice, he has got tremendous experience. So I would always go to him before the toss and ask him what he thinks about the wicket, how it will play and what does he think about the team etc. It wasn't as if he was completely out of sight. He was involved in the team activities and discussions. And in taking certain decisions. He was there all the time. He backed me. I am grateful that he believed in me and supported me throughout the season.
When you want people to listen to you then you have to perform yourself first. I was backing my self and when the team needed me, I performed in those situations. Even the players started believing in me because as soon I was appointed captain, I got a 93 not out and suddenly everything changed and their way of looking at me too. Everyone contributed to the decisions we took. Ricky Ponting and his team was there. They also knew that I was young, they asked everyone to support me, guide me if I do make some mistakes. No one's perfect. I used to ask everyone for their feedback. I would involve everyone in the team meetings as well.
I could have got hundred against Sri Lanka. Again, it's part and parcel of the game, I was just backing myself. Everything went out good from Sri Lanka. As I said there have been ups and downs, it's not been a continuous good flow from me. Yeah, I haven't got many opportunities to prove myself.
I realise that I need to be selfish at times as well as smart in decision-making and just not throw away my wicket. I realised it after some games. I would really think hard on decision making and being patient at times. Trying to cut down risky shots at crucial situations and build up innings and bat till the end.
I am looking forward to it. Not that I am going there for the first time, I have been there after the U-19 World Cup where I played for a club. It will be a great challenge for me — not only to prove myself but also contribute something to the team. Especially, playing a part in winning the series will be a great feeling. I am just preparing for the same. I am also playing India A matches (tri series) over there. It would be a great practice for me before we head for the ODIs.
I am not disappointed at all. I have been scoring consistently, I am satisfied with what I am doing right now. As I have said before, the selection part is not in my hands. Scoring is. I'm doing my job and it's up to the selectors. They would be under pressure if I'm doing well. Also, the competition level that we are facing is tremendous. There have been individuals performing. We can actually make two Indian teams with so many talented players around.
I am desperate, very desperate. It is my dream to play World Cup and next year it's going to be in England. This (England ODI series) is going to be a platform where I am keen to prove myself that I am up for the big level. I have also proved in the past that I belong to the highest level. Yes, it is going to be a great opportunity for me in England since the World Cup is going to be held there next year. My preparations has been throughout the year, it's just time to go out and execute there.
I have cut down that game (aggression). It's not that you have to be aggressive all the time, I have realised, but you need to build your innings. You need to play according to the situations and the team demands at certain point. Yes, I think the earlier I realise, the better it is. I have been doing it in the IPL games as well. I was trying to build my innings, trying to get my eyes in, set a platform for myself after which I can hit and accelerate to the target which I have decided. That is how I am planning to build my innings.
I used to listen to my teammates when they would say I was playing at my usual pace. Even my coaches would say that I need to cut down my shots and play according to the situation and be aware of what is happening around you. I started thinking about the game, how I can reach the highest level, how I can be useful to the team.
You need to be consistent and you need to back yourself. No matter what the situation or team demands. You need to back yourself because at the end of the day, you are going to be responsible for whatever decisions you are making at that level. The more matches you win for the team, the more you will be respected and the more you will be part of the team.
He has always proved himself, especially with the way he scores, builds his innings. The fitness he has maintained is brilliant and the way has improved his game is beautiful. It is inspiring the way he takes his team forward. We look up to him as our role model.
Obviously I was getting nervous. Yes, you are playing at the highest level. Cricket is the same but only the difference is it's international. I was happy as out of billion people, I was getting an opportunity. It was great.
I keep short-term goals. Now I will be focussed on India A. I am leading the side (to England for tri-series) and the aim is to win the series. I jot down certain goals, if I am close to it then great, if I cross it, even better.
