Shreyas Iyer's path from struggle to success: IPL triumph

Lionel Messi's famous FIFA World Cup celebration sprang to mind as Shreyas Iyer, captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, led his team to victory in Sunday's IPL Trophy game in Chennai.

For Iyer, given the challenges he faced, it was a personal triumph comparable to Argentina's grandeur. Iyer's journey to success was not without setbacks, as the BCCI terminated his central contract just weeks before to the start of the IPL.

In addition, a chronic back problem threatened to impede his growth. However, Iyer persisted and guided his team to an incredible accomplishment in spite of these challenges.

Similar to how Messi felt after banishing the memories of losing the 2014 final and raising the national flag for the first time in 36 years, he at last felt a profound feeling of success and validation from this win.

After a wild start to the season, Iyer sang a redemption song for the two-time IPL winners, but the wait lasted ten years. It is therefore not surprising that he decided to emulate the man who is an expert at overcoming obstacles.

Iyer then gave his teammates the trophy while holding it in a lighthearted manner, much like Messi had done during the championship match against France in Doha.

"Gautam Gambhir, who has developed an amazing culture inside the KKR squad, is a name I keep hearing about. However, I don't think Iyer is receiving enough recognition. The late Ian Bishop stated, "Shreyas Iyer deserves some credit," as KKR won their third IPL title on Sunday by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a lopsided final.

KKR had a strong season, finishing first with two rounds remaining and only suffering three losses in between. They may have gotten most of their runs from openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, but they also played as a team and prevailed.

"It is difficult to put into words how we are now experiencing. It was a really long wait. For the whole season, we played like unbeatable teams. Right now, there's so much to be grateful for," Iyer said.

It brought back memories of his early years and Mumbai coach Pravin Amre, who put Iyer to the test in his first Ranji season in 2014–15 by moving him up to No. 3 from No. 7.

December 2014 saw Iyer return from their encounter against Bengal at Eden Gardens with 153, his first-class hundred.

"I gave him a challenge for his whole career (in Mumbai)...It was my responsibility as a coach to push him since I was aware of his strong will. He was always one to rise to the occasion with grace. He works well in a group. He got 530 runs in the most recent world cup, according to Amre.

Amre, who took him under his wing at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana, continued, "I always told him you just do whatever is in your hands, let the other people do their job, you just remain focus on what's in your hands."

Iyer accomplished the unique distinction of playing the summit match as captain of two separate teams in the IPL by guiding KKR into the championship game. Due to a back ailment that necessitated surgery in London last year, the captain of KKR was unable to play in the previous season.

After making a breakthrough in the Asia Cup, he went on to finish third in the ODI World Cup last year, behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

He had a rough start to the year, though, as he struggled in the home Test series against England and appeared inconsistent, making 140 runs in the first two games before being rested for the last three Tests.

It was discovered that despite being cleared by the Board medical staff, he suffered the recurrent back issue. Iyer then stirred more controversy by refusing to represent his home state of Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and instead attending the pre-season camp of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Iyer, nevertheless, went back to the field for Mumbai in the semifinal and championship games against Vidarbha, when he determinedly hit 95 runs in the second innings to lead them to their 42nd Ranji victory.

He was left off of the Grade B contract by the Board, and BCCI secretary Jay Shah sent out a strong warning to players telling them not to put the IPL ahead of domestic cricket.

Iyer looked rusty at the beginning of the IPL under intense scrutiny and was dismissed for a two-ball duck in their opening match against SRH.

Later on, he made some noteworthy contributions, but Salt's and Narine's outstanding hitting stole the show.

Captain Cool

Still, Iyer embodied "Captain Cool" and put the good of the team ahead of his own personal achievements. With 351 runs and two fifty-five, he went on to become the fourth-highest run scorer for KKR this season.

His finest performance came in the pivotal first qualifier against SRH, as he used an undefeated 58 to power their challenging 160-run chase.

"The way he handled the team as a player is commendable. More than that, he is improving as a leader and the experts in the game are also appreciating his leadership qualities," Amre said.

"I personally believe success is not an accident he has worked hard for this, handling the team. Yes, he had a good team under him but bringing the best out of everyone is important," he added.