NEW DELHI: After India's dominating 70-run victory over New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinals, middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer credited the crucial backing from coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma for his remarkable performance. Iyer, who made history with his 105-run knock, expressed his gratitude for the support from the team management.
In an interview with Star Sports, Iyer highlighted Rohit Sharma's leadership and influence, stating, "Rohit sets the template, gives us the starts where we have to just go and carry forward from the base he gives. He is a fearless captain. You can see that in his body language, and it's kind of infectious, rubs off on all the players."
Regarding the support from the team management, Iyer emphasised the pivotal role of backing from coach Rahul Dravid, especially during a period when he didn't have a great start to the World Cup.
"It is pivotal, coming from the captain and coach. I did not have a great start to the World Cup. They told me not to worry about the outside noise, we are backing you, so you just got to go out there and express yourself,: Iyer said.
Reflecting on handling pressure situations, Iyer acknowledged the nerves but also expressed the enjoyment of playing in front of a passionate crowd. He noted the intensity of net sessions, particularly facing bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah to prepare for matches.
"To be honest, in pressure situations, you tend to get nervous but at the same time it is also fun playing in front of so many people and if you perform they lift you up. Net sessions are definitely intense. We see to it that we play the most difficult bowler. Whenever Bumrah comes with the new ball I face him because you know it's going to be difficult and it helps you for the matches," he added.
1/10:Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami star as India reach World Cup final
AFP
2/10:Virat Kohli's record-breaking century
Virat Kohli scored his 50th one-day international hundred, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record, with a knock of 117.AP
3/10:Mohammed Shami's sensational bowling
Mohammed Shami took a sensational seven-wicket haul, including the best figures by an Indian bowler in a World Cup semi-final.AP
4/10:India's commanding total
India posted a commanding total of 397-4, with Shreyas Iyer scoring a rapid 105 and Shubman Gill contributing 80 not out.AFP
5/10:Daryl Mitchell's valiant effort
Daryl Mitchell scored 134, his highest ODI score, but it wasn't enough to secure victory for New Zealand.AFP
6/10:India's unbeaten streak
Team India has won all 10 of their matches in the World Cup so far, aiming for their third title and second on home soil.ANI
7/10:India's chance for redemption
After losing in the semi-finals of the last two World Cups, Team India is determined not to let go of this opportunity for redemption.AFP
8/10:Williamson, Mitchell's partnership
Captain Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell put on a third-wicket partnership of 181 runs to revive New Zealand's chase.AFP
9/10:Shami's crucial wickets
Mohammed Shami took two crucial wickets in the 33rd over, dismissing Williamson and Latham to dent New Zealand's chances.AFP
10/10:New Zealand's World Cup title drought
New Zealand are still searching for their first men's 50-over World Cup title after their defeat in the semi-finals.PTIIn the semifinal, Iyer's explosive innings of 105 in just 70 balls contributed significantly to India's formidable total of 397/4. With this century, Iyer made history by becoming the first middle-order batsman to score 500 runs or more in a single edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Iyer's outstanding form has been a key factor in India's success, and he continues to be a crucial asset in the team's journey through the World Cup.
(With inputs from ANI)
