Ultimate aim is to play for India: Delhi Daredevils' Shreyas Iyer
Each season in Indian Premier League (IPL), fans always get to see some new exciting talent and this year will not be any different. Shreyas Iyer, who was snapped for Rs 2.6 crore by Delhi Daredevils is the highest-earning uncapped player from the 2015 auction.
The Mumbai boy has had a great Ranji season, scoring more than 800 runs with an average of more than 50. After featuring in last year's Under-19 World Cup, Shreyas Iyer was drafted into Mumbai's one day squad. He played two crucial innings, including a century against Gujarat that helped Mumbai become West Zone champions in the domestic one-day tournament.
IPL offers Indian players great platform: Iyer
Twenty-year-old Shreyas Iyer has expressed his feelings of performing well in the IPL and thereby breaking into the Indian side.
"The idea is to stay in the present and not think about the future. Of course, the aim is to play for India and IPL offers us a great platform. I have had a good season and am carrying confidence from there". He further added, “I want to enjoy the experience of being able to interact with top coaches and players as much as I can, gather information,".
Iyer also had good things to say about Delhi Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten. "He (Gary Kirsten) is a good coach, gives you confidence and backs you.”
Further, Shreyas Iyer admitted that he is a big fan of AB de Villiers and admires his batting.
“I don't really have an idol though I love to watch AB de Villiers bat. It will be a great opportunity for me to watch him from close quarters (at the Kotla on April 26)."
Great showing in warm-up match
Shreyas Iyer has already stamped his authority by scoring 121 not out off 65 balls (14 fours, five sixes) against an attack that included the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Angelo Matthews, Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem etc in the last warm up game for Delhi.
He showcased a potent combination of technique and temperament as he dominated the two 95-run stands with left-handers – skipper JP Duminy (37, 31 balls, three fours, one six) and Yuvraj Singh (26 not out, 18 balls, one four, two sixes) This innings would have given him a great confidence and hopefully ensured him a start in the first few games, starting with Thursday's match against one of the best teams, Chennai Super Kings in Chennai.
Delhi Daredevils, who finished bottom last season, would hope to see some great batting displays from the youngster, thereby propelling their chance to reach the play offs, and Iyer’s chance to achieve his ultimate aim of turning out in national colours.