IND Vs PAK: Shreyas Iyer Speaks Ahead Of India vs Pakistan Clash In Asia Cup 2023, Says 'I Never Imagined I'll Be Playing Asia Cup'

Right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer opened up ahead of the much-anticipated match of the Asia Cup 2023, India vs Pakistan. Shreyas Iyer said that he never imagined he would be playing Asia Cup for the Men in Blue.

Before today, Shreyas Iyer last played a competitive match in the fourth game of the Border Gavaskar against Australia following which he failed to make it into the first eleven since the 28-year-old went through surgery.

In India’s opening match in the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan, Shreyas Iyer has been included in the playing eleven and will play the first competitive game after recovering from his injury.

During his absence, India have suffered a lot with their batting lineup since no one player could perform at the number four spot. Shreyas Iyer’s presence will surely boost India’s confidence.

The recovery was slow and steady: Shreyas Iyer

The right-handed batsman revealed that he passed the fitness test just one week before the team selection and termed the recovery process as ‘slow and steady’.

Shreyas further added that he did not get any sleep the night before the high-voltage match due to the level of excitement.

Shreyas Iyer stated that the spirit of the Indian dressing is very high and all the players are looking forward to playing in the most awaited game of the tournament.

While talking about the Pakistani fast bowlers, the star India batsman said that he is delighted to face the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

Iyer revealed the plan and stated that they are looking forward to playing according to the situation and just watching the ball carefully so that they don’t make any mistakes.

“I never imagined I’ll be playing Asia Cup. The recovery was slow and steady. I passed the fitness test one week before selection, and I was really happy with that. I was nervous last night, couldn’t sleep. I am super excited to play this match against Pakistan. It’s a phenomenal feeling to be honest as they are the number 1 team at the moment.

“We are privileged to be a part of this team and journey with Rahul sir (Dravid) as the coach and under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. The spirits are high in the dressing room and we are looking forward to this game. Delighted to be playing against these (Afridi, Rauf, Naseem) bowlers, plan is just to watch the ball and play according to the situation,” Shreyas Iyer said.

Rohit Sharma-led India are taking on Babar Azam’s Pakistan on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.