Grip, stance, backlift: Nayar’s recipe for Iyer’s ton

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India T20I captain Shreyas Iyer credited coach Abhishek Nayar for helping him make key technical adjustments after smashing his maiden century in the shortest format during an eight-wicket win over the West Indies in Lucknow on Tuesday.

Iyer struck an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls, laced with 10 fours and six sixes, to register his first T20I century in his 68th appearance. Nayar revealed how a two-hour practice session in Mumbai helped the batter regain his rhythm and confidence.

“Shreyas was not getting that confidence and was struggling when trying to hit big shots, like sixes. So, we needed to make some changes and strengthen his base. There were some technicalities we worked on, along with tactics on how he should play and the mindset he needed to adopt. He has changed his grip a little bit, and we also made slight adjustments to his stance and backlift. We worked on his entire set-up, including his grip, initial movement and backlift,” Nayar told mid-day on Wednesday.

The former Mumbai captain, who is currently head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, explained how the adjustments came about just a day before Iyer left for the first T20I in Lucknow, following his return from the Asian Games, where he had helped India win gold.

“He did it a day before the first T20I. When he was batting in the Asian Games matches, it looked like he wasn’t generating enough power. When he returned from the Asian Games, we met in Mumbai and had a very good practice session lasting a couple of hours,” Nayar said.

Asked how Iyer responded to the changes, Nayar highlighted the trust and understanding they have developed over the years.

“We have a long-standing relationship and have been working together for a long time. We have always made such changes, even during the ODI World Cup. So, he is very accustomed to making adjustments, and communication has never been a problem. It has always been natural and easy.

“When a change makes sense to him, he embraces it. Changes have to suit the player. It is about what works best for him. When a player feels something is right for him, he makes the change. It is not about what I feel, but what he feels,” Nayar explained.

Nayar also admitted that watching Iyer put the West Indies attack to the sword was a satisfying experience.

“I was doing commentary and watching to see whether he was doing what we had discussed. I was happy with the result, but the more important thing for me, whenever I work with someone, is whether the player is happy and feels confident at the end of it. When everything comes together, it is obviously a very good feeling. I am always grateful when a player acknowledges my contribution. For a coach, that is something to feel happy about,” he said.

Nayar added that Iyer’s maiden T20I century was a special moment for him, too, given their long association.

“Obviously, I am happy for his first T20I hundred. For me, it is a very special moment as well. Scoring a century as India captain is a big thing. He had gone through eight lean games without a big score, so this is very satisfying for me. We have shared so many highs over the years, and I am happy that, as captain, he has experienced one of these moments. To have played a small role in it feels good,” Nayar signed off.

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