IND vs SL: Shreyas Iyer Has His Take On Bengaluru Pitch For Pink-Ball Test

Shreyas Iyer scored 92 batting at number six as India were bowled out for 252 in the first innings of the second Test in Bengaluru. The Indian bowlers then hit back, limiting the opposition to 86/6 in their first innings with the Indian pacers making an impact.

On a track that was spinning big and where the other Indian batters struggled, Shreyas Iyer used his feet and played with attacking intent as he fell just 8 short of his second Test ton. He scored the majority of his runs with the tailenders hitting 10 four snd four sixes in his innings.

After the first day’s play, Iyer addressed the press conference and spoke about how the Bengaluru track played. He said that as the pitch assisted the spinners more than the pacers he made his mind to play attacking cricket rather than being too defensive and playing negative cricket.

“You saw the players who defended the ball, there was a lot of chance of nicking, and there was variable bounce on that wicket. You can’t just play very negatively on that wicket and just keep defending the ball. You’ve got to have that positive intent when you step out on the field. The wicket is not that great. It’s obviously bowler-friendly” said Iyer on the Chinnasamy track.

The Fifty Felt Like A Century: Shreyas Iyer

Iyer got to his fifty with a six that hit the roof of the stadium. What brought out was an expressive celebration from the right-hander who took off his helmet and acknowledged the crowd. He also revealed the reason for his celebrations in the presser.

“I personally felt that fifty was like a century. That’s why I celebrated like that. It was like a century feeling for me” Iyer added saying.

He further said that a discussion with the coaches during the tea break helped him to play the way he did. He hit as many as 14 boundaries in his knock including almost a 100 meter six.

“The first five balls were really difficult for me because I went into bat just before tea. I was very nervous at that point in time and wanted to play through those two overs. After that, I came in, and we discussed with the coaches that this is what I’m going to plan and do on the wicket. I’m really happy I executed it really well” the batter said.

Shreyas Iyer concluded his press conference by keeping a word on falling short of another Test century. He was dismissed by Praveen Jayawickrama who lured him to a flighted delivery and Niroshan Dickwella got him stumped once he failed to execute the big shot.

“I’m disappointed I didn’t get a hundred, but as a team, we got to over 250 which on this wicket is a fighting total. I don’t have any regrets” concluded Iyer.

Also Read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After West Indies vs England 1st Test