‘I would like to thank myself’: Shreyas Iyer opens up about his comeback from back surgery after six months

On Sunday, Returning from an injury layoff, Iyer raced to his third ODI hundred off 86 balls.

Resilience & determination 👏👏

Well done @ShreyasIyer15! 🙌#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/zNjuXqDb8T pic.twitter.com/GqS4cndhF4

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 24, 2023

“It was definitely a roller coaster ride. I would like to thank myself to be honest. For believing in my abilities and mindset at that point of time. I was feeling a bit lonely but thanks to my physios, my trainers, my family they backed me, grateful to have them around,” he told reporters after his match-winning 105 off 90 balls.

Iyer opened up how desperate he was to bat in then middle and how kept his spirit high, while doing the rehabilitation.

“I was desperate to come back and come back strong. I was waiting to convert the starts which I got in the previous games. Today I got the opportunity, I am grateful,” said Iyer.

“To be honest I was not doubting my abilities because I knew I was batting brilliantly in the nets, also the start I got against Pakistan. Just a matter of one innings and I knew it was around the corner, thankfully I was able to execute,” he added.

Gill and Iyer then used the conditions to full effect, adding 200 runs for the second wicket in 27 overs. The pair smacked 17 fours and seven sixes between them.

Iyer rated his his third ODI hundred very highly and had some high praise for Shubman Gill as well.

“It was one of my finest innings especially coming out of an injury. I was eagerly waiting to come back and perform for the team. All these game we are getting before the World Cup, it is a good platform for us, especially me as I have not got a lot of games under my belt.

“Yes Shubman Gill is in tremendous form lately and the way he is converting his starts is simply phenomenal. In the World Cup, we will be needing such starts and he is in a great mind space, the routines that he has been maintaining throughout travelling and recovery,” he said.

I yer battled with cramps towards the end of his innings but came out to field in Australia’s innings.

“I am okay now but I was getting serious cramps. I was not able to hold my grip. Even the caught and bowled which happened (which was overturned by tv umpire as the bowler was not in full control of the catch), I just played with the bottom hand. My mind was anxious but I told myself to put the beast mode on,” he said.