India 'A' selection makes Shreyas Iyer's maiden season unforgettable

Shreyas Iyer during Mumbai's last Ranji Trophy season

Firsts in life are always memorable. However, for Shreyas Iyer his first season in domestic cricket is turning out to be an unforgettable one.


Shreyas Iyer during Mumbai's last Ranji Trophy season

The 20-year-old right-handed batsman created waves in his maiden first-class season for Mumbai where he scored 809 runs at an average of 50.56. As he gradually moved up the batting order from No 7 to No 3, runs started flowing thick and fast from his blade. He ended up being the seventh best in the last Ranji Trophy season. His top form helped him fetch Rs 2.6 crore in the Indian Premier League auction in which he was bought by Delhi Daredevils.

IPL high
In the glitzy world of T20 league, Shreyas' performances made everyone sit up and take notice of. His 439 runs in 14 matches that included four half-centuries helped him win the Emerging Player of the season award. Yesterday he received another thrill after getting picked for the India 'A' team for the two four-day matches to be played in Chennai against Australia 'A' from July 22.

"I am happy that I am achieving it step-by-step. India 'A' is just a step away from earning the international cap. I am confident, I will get that too," Shreyas told mid-day soon after his selection.

The Worli-resident believes his steady rise is because he never let any opportunity go waste. "Earlier, I used to never get so many opportunities. So, thanks to my coaches. I made every opportunity count. I scored wherever I was sent and proved that I am ready to play at the higher level. Getting to open for Delhi Daredevils helped me develop my confidence a lot," he said.

Shreyas also developed ways to be self-motivated. "I read motivational quotes, books on motivation and watch movies sometimes. I recently completed the autobiography of 'I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic'," he concluded.