Indian middle-order batter, often referred to as 'Sarpanch Sahab', Shreyas Iyer, has opened up about the troubles he encountered a year ago, terming it a "rollercoaster ride" where "things looked in shambles and helter-skelter." The 30-year-old, who was dealt the double blow of being omitted from the BCCI central contract list and left out for the Asia Cup, has now written one of the most heartwarming comebacks in recent Indian cricket history. Addressing the CEAT Cricket Ratings Awards in Mumbai, where he was awarded for his dazzling performances in India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory, Iyer shared how he broke through. He said: "I told myself to set a routine, discipline myself and play domestic cricket. I had to prove I belonged." His exclusion from the Asia Cup team had generated controversy among fans and analysts, considering his past performances as a middle-order player for India. The BCCI annual contract list exclusion put additional doubt regarding his future with the national team. Also Read | Watch: Rohit Sharma mimics Sanju Samson's walk during a recent event Domestic Success Paved the Way Back Rather than being worried about the disappointments, Iyer concentrated on domestic cricket to establish his credentials. He led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy championship and contributed hugely to their Ranji Trophy campaign. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the championship in the IPL 2024 and took Punjab Kings to the finals of IPL 2025, thereby further establishing his claim for a national recall. Mentioning his 181 runs in three ODIs against England at more than an average of 60, Iyer said: "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." During the Champions Trophy, Iyer was India's second-most run-scoring batsman with 243 runs from five innings, of which two were match-winning fifties. His capacity to anchor and then accelerate at the right time was instrumental in India's championship push. Improving on Weaknesses Iyer also worked on his technique against short-pitched bowling, which was a weakness that many felt was the reason behind his being left out. He added: "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." Turning a perceived weakness into impeccable strength! 💪@ShreyasIyer15 reflects on overcoming the short ball challenge. 🙌#CEATCricketAwards2025 👉 10th & 11th OCT, 6 PM on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/afvKOtiI3b — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 8, 2025 This improvement in terms of self has evidently borne fruit, as Iyer has scored 424 runs in eight ODIs this year at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 93.59, with four half-centuries as well. Also Read | Shreyas Iyer BCCI Contract Demotion Likely Over Red-Ball Break Vice-Captaincy and Way Ahead Iyer is now eagerly awaiting India's three-match ODI series in Australia on October 19, where he has also been appointed vice-captain. Though his past records in Australia were humble, his recent form and mental toughness indicate that he is up for the challenge. The experience of the middle-order batsman is a testament to hard work, discipline, and determination, showing that adversity is but temporary for players who are willing to rally back. With India preparing for the next series, Iyer's fate will be a subject of interest to see if he can maintain his form and lead the team from the middle order. Reflecting his dedication to India's white-ball future, Iyer said: "It was about patience, discipline, and proving myself. I am ready to contribute and lead wherever needed."