Shreyas Iyer on losing Delhi Capitals captaincy to Pant: I respect franchise decision
Shreyas Iyer was instrumental in the Delhi Capitals ‘ eight-wicket victory over the Hyderabad Sunrisers on Wednesday. The stylish right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 47 as Delhi Capitals chased a target of 135 in 17.5 overs with eight wickets in the hut.
Earlier this year, Delhi Capitals named wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant as their captain of the IPL 2021 season, after Iyer sustained a shoulder injury, which kept him away from action for five and a half months.
Shreyas Iyer, who was making his comeback after a long injury layoff, also lauded Delhi Capitals’ decision to continue with Rishabh Pant as the captain of the side.
“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,” Iyer told reporters during a virtual press conference.
“Rishabh Pant is leading really well since the start of the season and I respect the decision to continue with him. 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,” he added.
Iyer said that he was happy to be back on the field but was not satisfied with his performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as his hunger had gone up.
“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,” said Iyer.
Talking about his injury that he sustained earlier this year, Iyer said: “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.”
“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 will face Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.
