For a long time in his international career and the IPL, Shreyas Iyer seemed to have a problem with the short ball. It looked like the short ball would have his name on it and many believed that would be the reason for Shreyas’ downfall.
He solved the problem during ODI World Cup 2023 and has now become one of the most effective pull shot players. This was evident in the win against MI at the Wankhede when he pulled Jasprit Bumrah for a towering six. Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Believe’ to Irfan Pathan, Shreyas said he was triggered by the constant criticism surrounding his short ball problem and wanted to prove people wrong.
“People said I will never solve my short ball problem. That started me. I wanted to prove them wrong by performing well. So I worked hard on it. I used to take a single or try to keep the ball down. But now my mindset has changed. If I see a short ball in my zone, I hit it for a six,” Shreyas said.
The PBKS captain also said that he tries to face close to 50 overs during batting practice and focuses on creating his own rhythm by facing real bowlers.
“I work with Pravin Amr. I’ve been with him since my youth. I also talk to coaches like Abhishek Nayar. We share ideas. During my batting practice now, I try to bowl around 50 overs and face more than 300 balls. That helps me understand what works for me. I don’t follow a set pattern,” Shreyas said.
“I’m taking more time in the middle and facing real bowlers, not just side-arm throws. The more I face bowlers, the clearer my movement is. I focus on creating a rhythm. Just before the bowler bowls, I try to get into my position quickly. That creates a flow. You must have seen AB de Villiers do it. Even Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have that rhythm. Before I play their shots.”
ENTER MASTER CHASE
Along with overcoming his short ball problem, Shreyas has also become one of the most reliable finishers in the IPL. In his last seven innings in the chase, Shreyas hit five fifties.
The PBKS captain said he finds finishing fun and plans to stay in the wicket for longer and use the platform provided by Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya up top.
“I want to stay out and finish the match because the fun of the finish is different. So I think the longer I stay till the end, the chances of winning will increase and the team will also benefit from it. At the same time, the contribution of the youngsters and the openers, who have started phenomenally for us, is very important, especially when we are chasing over 200 points,” said Shreyas.
“If you look at the games we’ve won this year and last season batting second, they set the platform for us. Then to go in and capitalize on that start, there’s a kind of belief that comes from within that if they get off to a good start, I can easily take it from there. And even if they don’t, I’d have to create a different scenario in my mind.”
Shreyas will be in action next PBKS face RR in Mullanpur on April 28.
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Published on:
28 Apr 2026 11:27 IST
