India batter Shreyas Iyer has said that while he is very keen for a comeback in India's Test squad, he would only like to control what is within his reach and keep performing. He added that he had garnered a lot of patience to be successful in the longest format, which was reflected in his century on Saturday, October 19 in the second round of the Ranji Trophy.
Iyer, battling a recurring back injury for which he underwent surgery in 2023, scored his first century in red-ball cricket since his Test debut three years ago during the Ranji Trophy second-round match against Maharashtra.
Iyer's last first-class hundred was against New Zealand in the Kanpur Test in November 2021. As India again play New Zealand in a Test series, he ensured that if not for India, he had something to show for Mumbai.
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"It feels special, coming back after a very long time. I was feeling a bit down with my injuries, but now, getting a century after a very long time, it's a great feeling overall," Iyer told the media in Mumbai at the end of the day's play.
"I am keen for a comeback, but as we say, control the controllable and my job is to keep performing and keep participating as much as possible and also see to it that my body is in the best shape," Iyer added.
The 29-year-old, who has already played 127 international matches, was dropped from BCCI's central contract earlier this year and played his last Test in February after which his back injury returned. He played in the ODI series against Sri Lanka but said that he still holds an immense desire to play red-ball cricket.
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"Absolutely (the drive is still to play Tests). That's why I've been playing. I mean, or else I would have given a reason and sat out," Iyer said.
Opting to bat first, Maharashtra were bowled out for a paltry 126, with Mohit Avasthi and Shams Mulani picking three wickets apiece. In reply, Mumbai rode on Ayush Mhatre's 176 and Iyer's 142 to post a whopping 441 in their first innings.
At the end of play on Day 2, Maharashtra were 142/1, with Sachin Dhas (59) and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (80) at the crease.