‘I feel if you play a dot ball, it's a crime'

Back in the kind of form he enjoyed in New Zealand two years ago. Back as captain in the IPL, a position he had to let go. Back from injury and rehab that took away a good deal of time. Shreyas Iyer is once again marching to reclaim his space and identity. The batter took time out to speak at length with TOI. Excerpts...

- K.ShriniwasRao

Back in great form, back as IPL captain. Great start to the year?

I wouldn’t say the best start, but yes, a decent one.

Why not great?

I had a very bad stomach infection at the start of the year when we were in South Africa. I lost seven kilos there. Basically, whatever I was eating, it was coming out. It was one of the worst phases of my life.

Now, after this Sri Lanka series, do you see yourself getting back into that (New Zealand series) zone again?

Yeah, it felt very good. The start, which I got, was really amazing. I told myself I am just going to play with full freedom because now we have such depth in our batting lineup that it gives us more freedom to go and express ourselves. Even if we are a few runs down, the intent has to be very positive.

You’re looking good at No. 3. The confidence has been showing supremely…

Well, it’s a position where you can express yourself the best. But that aside, I’m really enjoying myself right now and feel good about my batting and thorough recovery.

You had an exceptional season as captain with Delhi. Then you had to let it go and now you will lead a team again. To come back and reclaim your position, what kind of a lesson does it give you?

I certainly had an amazing flow when I was in Delhi. When I took over, things kept going really well. I was always thinking from a captaincy point of view, how I would make my team win, how I would contribute in some way. So when you start thinking like a captain, you obviously change your body language, change your perception on the field about yourself.