New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer is aiming to win back his spot in the Indian Test team after notching up a brilliant century in Mumbai’s clash against Maharashtra in the second round of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Iyer slammed a terrific knock of 142 runs in Mumbai’s first innings to help his team post a strong total of 441 runs on the board.
It was Iyer’s first red-ball century since his Test debut in 2021 and the Mumbai batter was elated after the ton, calling it a special feeling. Iyer’s last century in red-ball cricket came in his debut Test match for India against New Zealand in November 2021. The right-hander was part of the Indian Test setup till earlier this year but lost his place after being axed from BCCI’s central contracts list.
Iyer was not awarded a BCCI central contract for failing to prioritise domestic cricket when not playing for the Indian team. His last Test appearance for India came during the England series at home in February this year and the star batter was also part of the ODI squad for the team’s tour of Sri Lanka in August.
After notching up a magnificent ton against Maharashtra, Iyer expressed confidence in his fitness and said he is determined to make his Test comeback for India. The star batter said he desires to play red-ball cricket for India or else he would have opted out of the longest format due to his recent fitness issues.
“It feels special, coming back after a very long time. Obviously, I was feeling a bit down with my injuries, but now, getting a century after a very long time, it’s a great feeling overall,” Iyer told reporters after his ton against Maharashtra in Mumbai.
“Absolutely (the drive is still to play Tests). That’s why I’ve been playing. I mean, or else I would have given a reason and sat out,” he added.
Shreyas Iyer on comeback trail
Iyer, who underwent back surgery last year, made his comeback in the Asia Cup 2023 and was subsequently selected in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad. The batter did well in the World Cup where he amassed 530 runs for India. He was also in India’s squad for the first two Tests against England at home but was dropped due to a recurring injury issue.
It all went downhill for Iyer from there as he lost his BCCI central contract and his spot in the Indian Test team. However, the star batter is on his comeback trail having done well recently. He has three half-centuries and a ton in his last 11 innings in domestic cricket and admitted that he is in a good space.
“I had addressed my feeling during the longer format and things didn’t go my way. But I’m in a good space right now. I’m doing what I’m meant to do,” Iyer said when asked about his feelings after missing out on a spot in India’s Test squad.
Iyer will be looking to continue his fine form for Mumbai in their upcoming matches in the Ranji Trophy and will be hopeful of regaining his spot in the Indian team.
Star batter Shreyas Iyer opened up on making his Test comeback for India after slamming a brilliant knock of 142 runs in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy clash against Maharashtra. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
