India A captain Shreyas Iyer says not getting picked for senior national team despite a consistent show plays on his mind and affects his performances.
“It is really tough to be patient. When you perform consistently, get runs and then don’t get into the (senior) team, it runs into your mind. And, when you face quality bowling at top level, your performance keeps fluctuating. So, you need to keep yourself focused and, as I said, it affects you at times,” Iyer said.
After scoring runs heavily in domestic circuit, Iyer was picked for India to play shorter formats of the game. He last played for India in a one-dayer against South Africa in February this year.
Last year, Iyer smashed 317 runs for India A against New Zealand A, including a highest score of 108. Three years ago, he had earned an Indian Premier League cap for Delhi Daredevils on the basis of good performances in domestic circuit. Two seasons later, he was asked to lead the side. The Mumbai batsman recently led India A to a 1-0 unofficial Test series win over South Africa A in Bengaluru.
Iyer said he relishes leading the side, an experience he had during the IPL for the Daredevils too: “I really love the captaincy role. Whenever I get this role (captaincy), my character and attitude totally changes, and I see to it that I try and get the best out of myself as well as the team in pressure situations.”