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New Delhi: Star India middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has finally opened up about the challenge he faced last year including being snubbed from the BCCIs central contract list and not getting picked for the Asia Cup 2025 describing that period of his career as a rollercoaster ride where things looked in shambles and helter-skelter. At the CEAT Cricket Ratings Awards in Mumbai where Iyer was recognised for his standout performnace in Indias ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory Iyer talked candidly about the frustrations and challenges he had to face for a remarkable comebacks in Indian cricket team. Iyer opened up about frustrations and challenges he had to face I told myself to set a routine discipline myself and play domestic cricket. I had to prove I belonged. The 30-year-old was left out of the Asia Cup squad a decision that grabbed attention and lots of criticism among fans and experts due to his past performances in the middle order. Additionally last year Iyer was also excluded from the BCCIs annual contract list a setback that cast doubt on his international career. However Iyer chose to respond through his performance rather than complaints. Iyer made an impressive comeback in domestic cricket leading Mumbai across formats captaining them to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and playing an impactful role in Ranji Trophy campaign. In the IPL he guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the championship further confirming his return in the national team. Iyer was the second-highest run scorer in ICC Champions Trophy When the chances came his way Iyer grabbed it with both the hands especially in the ICC Champions Trophy where he ended as the second-leading run-scorer with 243 runs in five innings which included two crucial half-centuries. His ability to both anchor and accelerate the innings played a key role in Indias march to their second consecutive ICC white-ball title following the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. I performed in all these tournaments and they helped me boost my momentum and confidence heading into the Champions Trophy. Then I was lucky to have played in ODIs against England and stamp my authority there Iyer said reflecting to his 181 runs in three matches at an average of over 60 against a strong English pace attack. Iyer also opened up about the criticism around his apparent weakness against short-pitched bowling which many thought might have been the reason behind his exclusion Over the last two years there were talks about me not being able to play the short ball. When I came back I wanted to prove everyone wrong. I worked on myself practised against tough bowlers and that helped me gain confidence he added. Iyer has been appointed as the vice-captain of Indias ODI squad Iyer is now focused on Indias next assignment that is three-match ODI series against Australia which is scheduled to start on October 19 where he will serve as vice-captain. Although his past performances in Australia have been decent scoring just 59 runs in three innings his current form—both on the field and mentally—indicates he is prepared to rise to the challenge. Iyer represented India for 8 ODIs and scored 424 runs at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 93.59 which included four half-centuries. Story Highlight Shreyas Iyer has finally opened up about the challenge he faced last year including being snubbed from the BCCIs central contract list and not getting picked for the Asia Cup 2025 Iyer was recognised for his standout performnace in Indias ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory at CEAT Cricket Ratings Awards in Mumbai. The 30-year-old was left out of the Asia Cup squad a decision that grabbed attention and lots of criticism among fans and experts due to his past performances in the middle order. Iyer made an impressive comeback in domestic cricket leading Mumbai across formats captaining them to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and playing an impactful role in Ranji Trophy campaign.