Shreyas Iyer (Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry photo)
New Delhi: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has opened up on how incessant criticism over his struggles against short-pitched deliveries became the driving force behind the dramatic shift in batting style during the 2026 IPL season.Speaking on JioStar, Iyer admitted that doubts about his ability to handle the short ball “triggered” a shift in mindset and preparation. “People said I would never be able to solve the short-ball problem. That’s what excited me. I wanted to prove them wrong by performing well. So, I worked hard on it,” he said.Go beyond boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The 31-year-old revealed that his short-pitched bowling has undergone a complete overhaul. “Before, I was just shooting the ball or trying to keep the ball down.
But now my mentality has changed. “If I see a short ball in my area, I will hit it for six,” Iyer explained, emphasizing a more aggressive and decisive intent.This turnaround has been evident in Punjab’s dominant run this season, with Iyer’s improved control of pace playing a key role in the team’s unbeaten run. The team recently scripted history with a chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium – the highest successful chase in T20 history.
Rigorous practice and mental resetIyer credited mentors like Praveen Amre and Abhishek Nayar for helping him improve his game, but stressed that hard work at the nets made the biggest difference.“During my batting practice, I try to bowl around 50 overs and face more than 300 balls. This helps me understand what works for me,” he said, adding that facing real bowlers instead of relying solely on pitches has improved his clarity. “The more I face bowlers, the sharper my movement becomes.
I focus on creating rhythm.”Inspired by greats like AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma and
Virat Kohli
Iyer stressed the importance of balance and timing. “Right before the player shoots the ball, I try to get into position quickly. This creates a flow,” he noted.“I have to prove them wrong.”Beyond technique, Iyer highlighted the role of mental resilience in overcoming setbacks and criticism. “There are people around me who say you can’t do it. And I don’t like to hear that…and I decide I have to prove them wrong,” he said.Reflecting on his return from injury, he added: “Some people said I would never be the same again. I asked myself, why can’t I be? The way you shape your mentality is important.”