Shreyas Iyer Reveals the Real Reason Behind His Success with Ricky Ponting
How One Conversation with Ricky Ponting Changed Everything for Shreyas Iyer
You know those people who walk into your life and flip a switch in your head? For Shreyas Iyer, that person was Ricky Ponting.
I remember watching Iyer back in the day—raw talent, flashy strokes, but missing that extra edge. Then came Ponting, and suddenly, Iyer wasn’t just playing cricket—he was commanding it.
What Ponting Really Taught Him (It’s Not What You Think)
Here’s the thing—Ponting didn’t flood Iyer with technique tips. Instead, he focused on mindset. According to Iyer, the first piece of advice Ponting gave him was:
“Trust your instinct—even if it backfires.”
It sounds simple, right? But that one shift gave Iyer the freedom to own his decisions. Whether it was stepping down the track on the first ball or taking bold captaincy calls, Iyer stopped playing safe. He started playing smart.
The “Invisible” Skills That Made All the Difference
Ponting’s mentorship wasn’t about fancy drills. It was about:
- Clarity under pressure – Iyer learned to think two steps ahead, not just react.
- Silent leadership – Ponting never yelled. He led with calm authority. Iyer picked up that vibe and made it his own.
- Mental fitness – Off-field chats about handling fame, criticism, and burnout helped Iyer build emotional strength.
Honestly, these are the things fans don’t see, but they make or break a player’s career.
Why This Duo Worked So Well
Because it wasn’t just about cricket—it was about belief.
Iyer once said, “Ricky believed in me before I believed in myself.” That kind of trust? It's rare. And when someone like Ponting tells you you’re built for greatness, you start believing it too.
