'That Triggered Me': Shreyas Iyer Reveals Taunts That Fueled His Comeback Story

Shreyas Iyer has turned a new leaf this IPL 2026. Leading Punjab Kings, the middle-order batter has been one of the most consistent players this season. He has scored at a sublime average of 70 while scoring at a whopping strike rate of 186 helping his team secure top spot in the points table.

 

Iyer has transformed from just a consistent performer to a game finisher and a captain that gets the job done. But the journey to the top was not that simple. The 31-year-old has revealed that his detractors and their taunts are behind his meteoric rise.

 

Taunts That Turned Iyer's Game Around

 

The middle-order batter was constantly being picked on for his weakness against short ball. Bowlers would pitch short and many questioned his ability to combat the bouncers but it seems he took their taunts to heart as they motivated him to get better.

 

"I have people around me who say that in this situation, you can't do it. It's impossible. I don't like hearing that. As a cricketer playing at the highest level, I just can't accept it. Then in my mind, I decide that I have to prove them wrong. The challenge becomes: 'I was in this situation, how can I come back stronger?' I push myself harder and try to return as soon as possible to prove them wrong. That thought keeps driving me, especially after injuries."

 

PBKS skipper added:

 

"When I had my back injury, some people said I would never be the same again. I asked myself, why can't I be? The way you shape your mindset after an injury is important. You choose what to focus on and what to ignore."

 

These words indeed reflect how Iyer utilized the insults and taunts to propel himself higher.

 

Also Read | Why Did KKR Release Shreyas Iyer After IPL 2024 Triumph? Real Reason Revealed

 

Hard Work Behind the Improvement

 

Iyer had the label of the 'short ball weakness' for a really long time, but instead of running away from the label, he went towards it.

 

Iyer said:

 

"People said I would never fix my short-ball problem. That triggered me. I wanted to prove them wrong by performing well, so I worked hard on it. Earlier, I would just take a single or try to keep the ball down, but now my mindset has changed. If I see a short ball in my zone, I am going to hit it for a six. I work with Pravin Amre; I have been with him since I was young. I also talk to coaches like Abhishek Nayar. We share ideas."

 

He added:

 

"During my batting practice, I now try to play around 50 overs and face over 300 balls. That helps me understand what works for me. I don't follow a fixed pattern. I give myself more time in the middle and face real bowlers, not just sidearm throws. The more I face bowlers, the clearer my movement becomes. I focus on creating a rhythm. Just before the bowler delivers, I try to get into my position quickly. That creates a flow. You must have seen AB de Villiers do that. Even Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have that rhythm before playing their shots. I try to do the same."

 

His batting form this season is a testament of his hard work and effort. He went from a weakness being the talking point about him, to him turning his weakness into a strong point of his batting.