Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer gets a big platform to parade his skills against an international team yet again after his double ton against Oz in February
The last time Shreyas Iyer played at the Brabourne Stadium with a bunch of other India hopefuls, he slammed an unbeaten double century against the touring Australian team. The innings last February for India 'A' put the Mumbai batsman on the doorsteps of an India call up. Iyer was then called up as cover for India skipper Virat Kohli for the final Test in Dharamsala. In the past few months, Iyer has come quite close to wearing the India cap, but it has eluded him. Today is another opportunity for Iyer to raise his stakes to claim the India jersey as he leads the Board President's XI team against the touring New Zealanders in the first warm-up match.
Shreyas Iyer (left) receives tips from India 'A' bowling coach Paras Mhambrey at the CCI yesterday
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Iyer is coming into this game with consistent scores against the New Zealand 'A' team. He was the highest run-getter in the two four-day matches where he scored 190 in two innings. In the one-day series, which India 'A' clinched 3-0, Iyer smashed 127 in two matches.
"When you have runs backing you up, you can go in with full confidence. When you get a good start again in a new game, you see to it that you convert it into big scores, but whatever runs I have scored is in the past. Tomorrow is a new day and I'm looking forward to it," Iyer said on the eve of the New Zealand clash. He has begun the new season well and will be gutted if he doesn't get to play for India in this season.
'Nothing to say'
"I'm tired of this question, to be honest," he said when asked about his frustration of not receiving a call to play for India as yet. I wouldn't like to reply at all. I've given all my answers previously. I don't want to talk about it again. My job is to keep performing. I won't be thinking what the selectors are thinking at all," he added.
Asked whether the disappointment of not playing for India has affected his motivation, Iyer said: "My motivation is to enjoy cricket and that's what I do. I love playing cricket. It's my passion. I love to score in every match."
Also view photos: Ex-cricketers in their current jobs: Uber driver, bus stand cleaner
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