It is no secret that he prefers to bat at No 3 but Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer on Saturday said he is flexible and ready to “discover” depending on the team’s scenario in the upcoming IPL. .
Shreyas had a highly successful T20I series against Sri Lanka in which he was not out in three matches, 57 not out in 28 balls, 74 not out in 44 and 73 not out in 45 and was adjudged the player-of-the-series. India’s 3-0 win
“For me personally, I think number 3 is my batting position because that is the position I love to bat in and have been batting for a very long time. But whatever the team needs, I am flexible, I am very comfortable with it. Come whatever happens, I am ready to explore,” the 27-year-old said during a virtual interaction.
In his first media interaction after joining KKR, the captain urged his players to be flexible and take responsibilities.
“You can’t always portray yourself as an anchor. On any given day, I can be a power hitter and someone plays the anchoring role of the side. Situations and roles may change depending on the circumstances.”
“If it’s your day, you need to go out and win matches for the team. Basically everyone on the team has to go out there and take responsibility for winning matches without relying on other players.”
After making his IPL debut in 2015, Shreyas represented Delhi Capitals for seven years before reaching his first IPL final in the 2020 season.
Shreyas, who was bought by KKR for Rs 12.25 crore, said his style matches the aggressive cricketing brand of the team’s coach Brendon McCullum.
“He has always been aggressive, and fearless with the first ball, always likes to throw punches and put the opposition on the backfoot.
“I want that kind of intensity from my players. It’s great if it comes from Coach. This is the mindset that KKR has nurtured over the years. I have a similar mindset, I have no regrets.”
Venkatesh’s batting position is yet to be decided
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With his batting exploits in the opening slot, Venkatesh Iyer came into limelight in the second half of the IPL in UAE last season.
But Shreyas said that KKR is yet to decide on Venkatesh’s batting position.
“We haven’t decided his batting position yet. We are yet to come out of the quarantine and have talks with the coaches and the management. I had a brief conversation with him during our stint for Team India, he is very flexible in whatever position we put him in.
“Obviously he has done brilliantly for KKR last year as an opener, which will be in the back of the mind.
“He’s a team man. I’ve seen it on the field. He always talks about winning. We need this kind of character in our team, who is ready to go out there and show that tirelessness.” “
Sunil Narine was always fatal for KKR
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Shreyas said ace all-rounder Sunil Narine, who has been retained by KKR, will continue to be an important contingent in their plans.
Narine, 33, was last seen in action in the Bangladesh Premier League in February as he inspired Comilla Victorians to win the title.
“I always felt that he likes to be on his own, he is reserved as a player. That is why he is so lethal when it comes to KKR,” Shreyas said.
“Plus the variety he brings to the table is extraordinary. He is bowling superbly. When I faced him last year, he was really unbeatable.
“Even with the bat, he can change the pace of the game, completely drift towards the team. I am glad he is fit, ready to roar from the first game. Excited to meet him and make the debut,” Shreyas said.
Addition of Ajinkya Rahane massive advantage
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Another interesting acquisition for KKR is veteran India Test batsman Ajinkya Rahane who was bought for Rs 1 crore.
The 33-year-old played just two matches for Delhi Capitals last season but the team’s CEO and MD Venky Mysore believes his addition is a big advantage for KKR.
“Ajinkya is another one who represents change, a very positive change for KKR. Having some of his experience and class is a big advantage for us,” Mysore said.
“We know the kind of person he is, how grounded, humble he is, yet what he has accomplished and the kind of quality and class he brings is a huge advantage in his set up.”
Mysore, however, said Rahane’s role in the team would be decided by the coach and captain.
“I am sure he will come up with the right combination from the resources we have. Basically, having him (Ajinkya) in the team is fantastic.”
KKR will take on Mumbai Indians in the first match of the IPL on 26 March.
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