FridayOL

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Shreyas Iyer's sensational recent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is a direct response to being overlooked for the England Test tour. Iyer, who recently led the Punjab Kings to the IPL final with a stunning unbeaten 87, has seemingly used the snub as motivation to prove his worth, both to the Indian selectors and to the wider cricketing world.

Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review, emphasized that sometimes a slight from the national team can be the catalyst for a player to elevate their game. “I think it’s a really good thing for him,” Ponting stated. “Sometimes these things happen, and it can really light a fire in a player’s belly. And Shreyas Iyer has certainly done that.”

The omission from the England tour squad was a surprise to many, given Iyer’s previous Test performances. However, the selectors opted for other options, leaving Iyer to focus on the IPL. And focus he did. His consistent run-scoring throughout the tournament, culminating in that crucial unbeaten knock in the final, has undoubtedly put pressure on the selectors.

Iyer's performances have been characterized by a blend of aggressive strokeplay and calculated risk-taking. He has looked confident, composed, and in complete control at the crease, a stark contrast to some of the struggles he faced earlier in his career. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed has been a key factor in Punjab Kings' success.

“He’s been outstanding, hasn’t he?” Ponting added. “His form has been exceptional, and he’s looked like a man on a mission. He’s probably got a point to prove, and he’s certainly proving it with his bat.”

The question now is whether Iyer can sustain this form and force his way back into the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series. The selectors will undoubtedly be watching his progress closely, and another strong performance could be enough to earn him a recall. His recent displays have shown a maturity and resilience that suggest he is ready to face the challenges of Test cricket once again.

While the England tour has concluded, the spotlight remains firmly on Iyer. His IPL success serves as a powerful reminder that players can often respond to adversity with remarkable performances. And for Shreyas Iyer, the snub may have been the best thing that could have happened to him, igniting a firestorm that has captivated cricket fans across the globe.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Iyer as he looks to capitalize on this momentum and solidify his place in the Indian team across all formats. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers everywhere – a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones.