KKR vs SRH: Shreyas Iyer says BCCI punishment does not bother him, challenges Jay Shah

Shreyas Iyer, the Indian middle-order batter and captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), stunned the cricket world by blaming the Indian cricket team management and BCCI for not understanding his struggles and supporting him ahead of the IPL 2024 Final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Ahead of the IPL 2024 Final between KKR and SRH in Chennai, Iyer opened up about his struggles with back issues after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 last year, highlighting the lack of understanding and support he faced from the BCCI and Team India. He revealed that he was dealing with a back injury after the ODI World Cup 2023, but his concerns were ignored.

Notably, Iyer had also experienced back spasms during the Test series against England at home, and his struggles began. Despite his exceptional World Cup 2023 performance, where the KKR captain amassed 530 runs at an average of 66.25, Iyer managed only four runs in the final, which India lost to Australia.

Shreyas Iyer reveals struggles with back issues before IPL 2024 Final

His form dipped following the World Cup 2023, leading to a disappointing Test series in South Africa and poor performances in the first two Tests against England, resulting in his exclusion from the Indian cricket team.

Well, Iyer denied obeying BCCI’s order to return to domestic cricket earlier before making late entry to the Ranji Trophy 2023-2024, and later he was dropped from the BCCI's Central Contract List, allegedly for prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket.

Ahead of the IPL 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26, Iyre revealed that his concerns about his back issues were ignored by all, but he remained determined to perform well in the IPL 2024 with a positive mindset.

Despite the challenges, the right-handed batter expressed satisfaction with his recent form and praised the KKR for their collective efforts to take them to the final against the SRH. He emphasized his focus on staying present and contributing to the team, rather than dwelling on selection issues.

I raised my concern, but no one agreed to it: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer said at the pre-match press conference in Chennai: “Basically, I was definitely struggling with back issues after the World Cup in terms of the longer format. And when I raised my concern, no one agreed to it. But at the same time, the competition is with myself. When I came, when IPL was approaching, all I wanted was to see to it that I put my best foot forward.

It is a pleasure that I have been playing so well in the past few months. Also, coming and being part of this amazing group, where everyone is giving their best for the team's benefit. All I did was to stay in the present and didn't think about what was happening with me about my selection process or anything. It was just about coming in and participating and giving my best.”