IPL 2021: Rishabh Pant Is Leading Really Well, I Respect Team's Decision To Continue With Him: Shreyas Iyer

Delhi Capitals batsman Shreyas Iyer said that he respects team management’s decision to continue wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant as the captain in the second leg of IPL 2021.

Iyer returned to Delhi Capitals after missing the first half of the tournament owing to a shoulder injury. In Iyer’s absence, Pant led the team in eight matches and won six games to lead the charts.

Iyer, who led the franchise to IPL 2020 final, made himself available after getting clearance from the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to play IPL.

However, Delhi Capitals announced that Pant will remain as the captain for the rest of the season. Iyer said that Pant is really leading the team well and he is fine with the team’s decision.

“When I got the captaincy of Delhi Capitals, it benefitted me a lot as my temperament got better. But obviously, this is part of the decision making and I respect the franchise’s decision. Rishabh Pant is leading really well since the start of the season and I respect the decision to continue with him,” Iyer said in a virtual press conference. 

It is not like I am focusing a lot on my batting just because I am not the captain: Shreyas Iyer

Iyer scored 47 runs from 41 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on his return to IPL after a year. The Mumbai batsman said that he wasn’t satisfied with his batting.

“I like soaking in the pressure and I like to perform when there are challenges. It is not like I am focusing a lot on my batting just because I am not the captain,” Iyer said. 

“It is a really good feeling, I would not say that I am satisfied, because the hunger has gone up and the appetite keeps on increasing every match you play. So I am not satisfied and content,” he added.

It was difficult for me to adapt during the injury: Shreyas Iyer

Iyer suffered a shoulder injury while fielding in an ODI match against England in March and subsequently, he had to undergo shoulder surgery. Iyer said that his rehabilitation programme helped him a lot and brought him his strength back.

“When I got injured, it was difficult for me to adapt to this particular fact because I keep on doing so many activities here and there, it was difficult for me to adapt, but close-knit family and friends really kept me busy and they kept me in a positive frame of mind,” Iyer said. 

“When the rehab started, and I started gaining strength, that was an amazing feeling and that put me in a really good frame of mind,” he added.

Delhi Capitals won against SRH by eight wickets and regain the top position on the points table with 14 points.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Shreyas Iyer Is A Phenomenal Batter And An Integral Part Of Delhi Capitals: Kagiso Rabada