Shreyas Iyer: ‘There Is Rain, But We Can’t Use That as an Excuse’

India captain Shreyas Iyer has urged his team to adapt quickly to challenging conditions as India begin their campaign in the Asian Games men’s cricket competition against Afghanistan on Monday.

India, one of the four highest-ranked teams in the competition, qualified directly for the quarter-finals. Their opening opponents, Afghanistan, have already played two matches in the tournament, winning one and losing one, giving them some early experience of the conditions in Aichi-Nagoya.

India enter the contest with confidence after recently completing a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Afghanistan in Delhi. However, Iyer believes his side cannot afford to underestimate their opponents or the conditions.
“Not just Afghanistan, no team can be taken lightly at any stage. Just look at how tough Japan made it for us the other day,” Iyer said.

The Indian team’s recent match against Japan was reduced to a five-overs-a-side contest because of rain, highlighting the unpredictable weather conditions. Several matches in the competition have already been affected by rain, with two of the six first-round men’s matches called off.

Rain and thunderstorms are again forecast for Monday, but Iyer said India would not use the weather as an excuse.
“There is rain, but we can’t use that as an excuse. As professionals, we will come across hurdles and we have to be prepared,” he said.

Iyer stressed the importance of remaining mentally prepared regardless of the conditions and adapting to the pitch as quickly as possible.
“We have to be mentally prepared irrespective of whatever the situation is going to be. We did get a decent chance to warm up and knock the ball around today, and now the task is to adapt quickly to the pitch.”

India’s preparation was also disrupted by heavy rain. The team had hoped for a training session but were instead greeted by torrential rain at the venue.

Despite the conditions, the players made the most of the limited opportunity they had, with the batters getting some time in the nets while the bowlers completed a few overs and strides in the outfield.

“We are trying to maximise the best we could,” Iyer said.

Iyer embraces Asian Games experience

For Iyer, representing India at a multi-sport event such as the Asian Games offers a different experience from the bilateral and cricket-only tournaments the team normally participates in.

Cricket has featured at the Asian Games on four occasions, including the recent editions, while the sport is also set to return to the Olympic stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Iyer said the Asian Games provide players with an opportunity to experience a different sporting environment while representing their country.
“I personally feel it’s a great opportunity for everyone to come and represent their own countries, and at the same time, the conditions are challenging,” he said.

The India captain also praised the athletes competing across different sports at the Games and expressed his hope that the country can enjoy success across disciplines.
“It’s an honour to be representing India in the Asian Games and captaining it at the same time. I feel there are a talented bunch of athletes who have come representing different sports.”

Iyer added that he would like to watch some of the other events if the opportunity arises, saying the performances of Indian athletes could provide motivation ahead of the Olympics.

For now, however, India’s focus remains on adapting to the conditions and getting their Asian Games campaign off to a strong start against Afghanistan.