Keep smaller and simple goals: Shreyas Iyer's advice to kids

Who was your inspiration while growing up?

Obviously, it was Sachin Tendulkar. He is called the God of cricket, and everyone who grew up watching him play has followed him. I was also one of them. So he was my inspiration as a child.

Is there anyone else you look up to outside the cricketing world?

Yes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden footballer currently playing for Manchester United). I just finished reading his book. I love his attitude, his way of answering questions that can be uncomfortable. I love the way the speaks and carries himself around. He is so confident about himself and in whatever he does. That is something that I want to follow as well. I want to be as natural as possible in everything. I don't like restrict my actions. I like to speak my mind, and that is what Zlatan does too.

What is your dream as a cricketer?

For any cricketer, the ultimate dream is to be a World Cup champion. My dream is to win the World Cup for India. I want to be part of a World Cup-winning squad. I want to see to it that I lift the trophy for my country.

Can you describe the experience of being part of the Indian team in the recent T20I series against New Zealand, when you made your international debut?

At first, I was really nervous when I was selected in the team. At the same time, I knew I deserved to be there. But the atmosphere of being part of the Indian team is totally different from any other team. People start looking at you in a different way. But the senior players and support staff really helped me in ease into the team. So yes, I really enjoyed the seven days that I was part of Team India.

Is there any one particular team you enjoy playing against?

Well, I have so far only played against New Zealand (at international level). But I enjoyed playing in South Africa when we went for the 'A' tour there earlier this year. They play their cricket really hard, try to sledge you. And that somehow gets the best out of me. They try to bully you. But we are Indians, so we gave it back.

How different is your behaviour on the field compared to when you are off the field?

See, on the field, you have to act like you are a champion. There is a famous quote by the great Muhammad Ali: “To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.” So that's what I believe in.

How important is focussing on diet when you play cricket?

That's a good question. Diet is really important. Nowadays, there are many fitness tests if you want to be part of the Indian team. There are Yo-Yo tests and many other things like that, in which every player has to cross a particular mark. But as for me diet and fitness, I am a natural athlete. Now, with so much competition around, you have to be in your best shape in order to give your best performance every single time. So unlike in my younger days, I have to watch what I eat, and maintain a strict diet.

Do you play any other sport than cricket?

Yes, I love playing table tennis and badminton. I was also a footballer in school. Following and playing other sports is something I believe it. It challenges you to look at sports from a different point of view. I strongly believe in playing multiple sports.

Who would you love to face or bowl to in international cricket?

I liked facing Dale Steyn (South Africa fast bowler) and Mitchell Starc (Australian fast bowler). They are both so quick, that when I faced them for the first time, I couldn't see the ball. But eventually, I got used to the pace and starting enjoying the challenge and contest.

Who are the biggest pranksters in the teams you play in: Mumbai and India?

In Mumbai, all of us are. We all grew up playing cricket together, so all of us are really close. We all play pranks against each other. But Siddhesh Lad and Shardul Thakur are the biggest ones. As for Team India, everyone has a lot of fun together.

What is your goal in life?

Look, I am someone who does not believe in setting long-term goals, because then you start looking too far ahead. I always set short-term goals. I like to stay in the present. So my goal right now is to travel to Andhra Pradesh (for next Ranji Trophy game) and do well for Mumbai there. Obviously, my ultimate goal was to play for India, which I have already achieved.

Which is your favourite match that you have watched?

The 2011 World Cup final (at the Wankhede in Mumbai). I was there watching the game from the stands. It was such an amazing feeling.

How do you switch off from cricket?

I like going out with friends and watching movies with them. Apart from that, I like to play football. Also, I love playing cricket on the street with the tennis ball with my colony friends. In front of my house, we have a big space to play. So that is a lot of fun.

Have you changed since you played for India?

Not at all. Like I said, even now I play street cricket with my friends. That is something I do even now every Sunday if I get a chance. So I have not changed, and neither have the people who play with me. They are all of different age groups, some are older than me and some younger. But all of them still look at me the same way.

What was your daily routine when you were in school?

I used to practice from 7am-9am. From there, I used to go to school, which would start at 9.30am. I was allowed to leave one hour early so that I could practice, because by then I had started playing for Mumbai in different age groups. From there, I used to attend my tuition. I was an average student in school.

How important was your parents' role in shaping up your career?

My parents were really supportive. During times when I wasn't doing so well as a kid in cricket, my parents wanted me to shift to studies and leave cricket. But I wanted to prove them wrong, and that got me really motivated to take up cricket fully and make a name in that. But you should always respect your parents.

What is your advice to kids growing up?

My advice is to keep smaller goals. Stick to whatever is your goal. If you lose your focus, you will lose your confidence as well. So keep things as simple as possible.