Iyer eyes consistency after missing out on World Cup

Iyer has been one of India's top contenders for the much talked about No.4 spot in limited overs cricket. The Mumbai cricketer has been in and out of India's squad in the last two years, playing six ODIs and as many T20Is in the period, and hasn't got a long enough run due to some stiff competition from other batsmen around. The 24-year old insisted that any young player needs a long run to prove himself on the biggest stage, or else, self-doubt might creep in.

"If you are really a good talent, then you need a certain amount of chances to prove yourself and get acclimatised to the conditions," Iyer said. "If you keep coming in and going out [of the team], it doesn't really set a good pattern for one's self and you start disbelieving yourself. If you are a great talent, then you need some time."

Iyer scored 187 runs in four innings in the recently-concluded one-day series against West Indies A and returned to India's limited overs team after Vijay Shankar and MS Dhoni were unavailable for selection. Having made his ODI debut in December 2017, Iyer batted at the one-down position in Virat Kohli's absence and hit two half centuries in three innings against Sri Lanka. However, he was dropped to the No.5 position following senior players' return in the next series against South Africa.

Iyer, who hasn't featured in any international game since, is keen on producing consistent performances to have his place cemented in India's setup. "You tend to lose patience but selection is not in your hands. All you can do is perform, perform and perform and that is what I enjoy doing. You have to keep performing and keep showing people that you are capable of playing at the higher league. Once you get that sniff, you never look back"

The Mumbai batsman admitted that he was disappointed on having missed out of the World Cup, but is confident of representing his national side at the marquee event.

"It was my dream to play the World Cup for my country. I know there are a few opportunities that I got but unfortunately the team combination was such that it didn't demand me to be there.

"There was a lot of buzz about me before the World Cup selection because I was consistent and aware about the hard work and smart work that I had put in. It will definitely reap benefits and help me in future when I play for India. I just kept myself positive and always in high spirits. It didn't disturb me from inside at all. It was a dream to play the World Cup and I will play for sure in the future," he said.