WATCH: Shreyas Iyer shows anger on 'short-ball problem' question at post match conference in ODI World Cup 2023

The talismanic India batter Shreyas Iyer refuted any concerns about facing short balls following India's victory over Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup in Mumbai. Despite having faced difficulties with back-of-a-length and short deliveries in the tournament, Iyer showcased a magnificent 82 off 56 balls, contributing to India's 357-run total against the Sri Lankan team. He narrowly missed achieving his second ODI century.

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It is no hidden fact that he has encountered challenges with bouncers in recent matches and losing his wicket on occasions, the middle-order batter standout diligently worked on his technique during India's World Cup practice sessions. In a recent post-match conference after the Sri Lankan match, Iyer was asked about the problematic short ball dismissals. Answering to this question he dismissed any apprehensions about handling short-pitched deliveries, attributing such concerns to external perceptions. According to Iyer, a player is bound to get dismissed while playing any shot and, in his case the short deliveries are the once where he got out. He also added that it does not mean that he had problem playing short ball deliveries.

 "When you say it's a problem for me, what do you mean," he started his answer in a post-match press conference when asked about the said short-ball problem and how he will counter it against South Africa. "You know if you try to hit a ball, you're bound to get out anyway whether it's a short ball or overpitched. If I get bowled two or three times, you all would say he can't play an inswinging ball, he can't play if the ball is seaming. You guys have created that mahol (feeling) outside that he can't play a short ball, and I feel that people are picking that up every now and then and it plays on your mind regularly and you keep working on that," Iyer added.

I've played a majority of my game here: Iyer

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The star India batter then pointed at how the bounce plays at Wankhede, adding that he has no problem with the ball. Iyer also said that growing up playing in Mumbai, especially at Wankhede Stadium, he's accustomed to the consistent bounce there. While critics may see a problem in his approach, he remains confident, knowing it's just a part of the game.

"Coming from Mumbai, especially from Wankhede, where the bounce is pretty much even and you know it bounces way more than any other pitches. I've played a majority of my game here. So I know how to tackle it. It's just that when I go to hit some shots you are bound to get out and sometimes it may work sometimes it may not. The majority of the time it hasn't worked for me, maybe that's the reason you think it's a problem for me, but in my mind, I know there's no problem," he added.

Iyer then also claimed that the talk is in the media and he is confident of his game. He addressed the media's ongoing discussions but maintained unwavering confidence in his abilities along with that he even expressed readiness to face specific deliveries seriously, even if it resulted in repeated dismissals.

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Watch the video below:

Shreyas Iyer reply to all clowns who trolls him for Short Bowls!!

I hope agendaDhari Pattalkaar @vikrantgupta73 & Sky Lobby is hearing him🤡#INDvSLpic.twitter.com/vmvX4OU4NB

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) November 2, 2023