Shreyas Iyer says he is ‘not a gifted player’ despite match-winning knock in IPL 2020

Shreyas Iyer was in fine form for Delhi Capitals in their high-scoring encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2020 clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on Saturday. The Delhi Capitals skipper hammered a fifty off 27 balls which is his fastest ever in the IPL. Iyer’s 88 off 38 balls included seven fours and six sixes as Delhi Capitals ended on 228/4. With his captaincy, he was spot-on with his decision making as he got Kagiso Rabada in at the right time to dismiss the dangerous Andre Russell. In another high-scoring encounter, Delhi Capitals went to the top of the table with an 18-run win and Shreyas Iyer was given the Man of the Match award.

In the post-match presentation, Iyer was at his modest best and he explained that he is not such a gifted player. “It was really necessary for me to take time at the start which I did in the earlier games as well. It was the right time for me to take on the bowlers and then rotate strike as well after that. Luckily it worked out for me. I know the hard work and the smart work I have put in through my gym sessions, so I wouldn't say I am a very gifted player,” Iyer said.

Difficult to defend in Sharjah

The three games that have been played at the Sharjah cricket stadium has seen six 200+ scores, including a record chase of 223 by Rajasthan Royals in their clash against Kings XI Punjab that saw Rahul Tewatia hit five sixes in one over bowled by Sheldon Cottrell. Shreyas Iyer did acknowledge that it was difficult to defend at this venue because of the flat wicket and the short boundaries.

“It is really difficult to defend here. It has been such an amazing tournament, especially in Sharjah. It is always a thrill to play at this ground, the last time I played here was in the under-19s,” Iyer said.

However, there was some concern when Amit Mishra suffered an injury and he was unable to continue bowling. In order to make up for the two overs, Delhi Capitals turned to Marcus Stoinis who once again delivered.

“Unfortunate to lose Mishra in the middle when he was spinning the ball really well. We were confident we had two good overs left, but anything could happen, it is a funny game is T20s and especially here in Sharjah. We really have a good platform and we have to be insatiable with our work ethics,” Iyer said. Delhi Capitals will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at Dubai International stadium on Monday.