Interview: Shreyas Iyer wants to debut under MS Dhoni

Ruchi Mahawar

Lucknow: Shreyas Iyer may have scored loads of runs in the last Ranji season but the one advice he would like to keep with him always what legendary Rahul Dravid gave him that it is not necessary you score this much every year. These golden words he keeps with him though tries to be consistent in his performance.

Twenty one-year old Shreayas Iyer, the typical Mumbaikar, likes to play aggressive cricket and in a short span of his first class career has already created a niche for himself. He has come into national reckoning after his fabulous performance in last season in which he aggregated 1321 runs in 11 Ranji matches at a healthy average of 73 with eleven scores of 50 plus including four centuries. It earned praise from none other than Dilip Vengasarkar who hailed him as the next brightest thing in the game.

How near he does he think he is to Team India?, who is his batting ideal ?, why does he strive to play under Dhoni? He spoke at length with www.newztrack.com in a telephonic interview revealing many new things about himself and his batting.

Dream to debut under Dhoni

He makes no bones about desiring to play under Dhoni like any other young cricketr of the country. He puts it simple that every players tends to play tension-free in the captaincy of M S Dhoni.

Yes, I was little disappointed when he announced retirement from the Test cricket but hopefully he may get a chance under him in One Day or T20 .

About comparision with Sehwag

Shreyas humbly declines to be compared with another great Virendra Sehwag. Though he takes it as a compliment that his senior contemporary Rohit Sharma says his batting style reminds him of Sehwag.

''I do not try to imitate Sehwag Bhai but my natural style is to attack the bowlers,'' he says.

On IPL

Shreyas acknowledges that IPL has given him better recognition. He recalls how nervous was he when first played IPL. He hopes to have a successful season in the next IPL.

Indo-Pak contest in T20 World Cup

Like any other cricket loving Indian he also looks forward to this mega-match to be played on Saturday.

''Let us win it to have more colourful Holi,'' he exudes confidence.

On his entry in Team India

"'Like Rahul sir said consistency is the key. If I continue to perform in the way I played last season,this may not be a pipe dream.

Fan of AB Devilliers

''Though,I have not modelled my game on any particular batsman but yes I am a great fan of AB Devilliers. In one of under-19 matces , I took the stance like him.