Shreyas Iyer’s performance in the second ODI against Australia, where he scored a valuable 61 off 77 balls, might not have been enough to secure a win for India. However, it showcased his growing maturity and adaptability as a top-order batsman. His impressive knock came in challenging conditions, where bounce and pace were testing, highlighting how his newly adjusted batting technique has played a pivotal role in enhancing his performances.
The Upright Stance: A Subtle Yet Effective Change
Iyer’s return to an upright batting stance has been one of the key adjustments behind his improved consistency in various conditions. This change, which he started working on over a year ago, was driven by the need to better handle unpredictable bounce and pace on different types of pitches.
“The technique I’ve got lately is not something I’ve changed suddenly. Since last year, I wanted to have an upright stance, especially on wickets where the bounce is a little more than expected,” Iyer explained after the match. He further shared how this change has made him feel more balanced, helping him react more effectively to movement off the pitch.
“I worked with my coach on it, and it has been suiting me quite well. I grew up playing with that kind of stance, so I just thought of going back to my old method and seeing how it works out,” he added. This adjustment has proven particularly useful when facing top-tier bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, especially in conditions where the ball behaves erratically.
Confidence from Strong Domestic and India A Performances
Iyer’s rise in international cricket can also be attributed to his consistent form in domestic cricket and India A tours. Having averaged around 300 in the domestic season, his confidence is at an all-time high, giving him the mental strength to perform at the highest level. He believes that runs from these competitions allow him to enter international matches with a positive mindset.
“When you have runs behind you, you walk into international cricket with confidence. My focus is to perform every time I step on the ground,” Iyer said. His focus on continual improvement and adapting to varying conditions has made him a more versatile player, capable of excelling on different surfaces.
Shreyas Iyer’s evolution as a batter is a testament to his commitment to growth and adaptability. As he continues to refine his game, it’s clear that his ability to adjust to different pitches and conditions will keep him in the conversation as one of India’s most reliable top-order players.
