India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test: No regrets on missing ton, I play for the team, says Shreyas Iyer

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, there were 10 Indian batsmen and one Shreyas Iyer. The 27-year-old middle-order batter operated on a different plane. Counterattacking with elan, he blunted the Sri Lankan spin charge. Positive intent was the Mumbaikar’s mantra on the day. That could well make the difference in this day-night second Test, where bowlers called the shots on Saturday. FULL SCORECARDIn the second session, although the Lankans claimed six wickets, they conceded 159 runs and the man who piloted that charge was Iyer with his 98-ball 92. The Lankans paid the price for dropping the batsman, who put up a grand show of will and strokes. While runs flowed from Iyer’s bat, what was impressive was the composure and confidence with which he built his innings.

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A dry wicket offering ample turn and the odd ball keeping low ensured truncated stints at the crease for Rohit Sharma & Co. Under lights, there was no relief for the Sri Lankan batters either. As many as 16 wickets tumbled on either side with India holding a 166-run advantage.

Having seen his teammates lose their wickets while defending and a close cordon in place, Iyer revealed that the plan was to nullify the spin. “My plan was obviously to cut down the spin. So, I wanted to step out. The plan was to cover the spin and play it to mid-wicket and get a single because that area was free. I was very confident doing that. When you step out, you also play with the mind of the bowler and spoil his line and length. That's what I tried to do,” he said. But the beginning was challenging. “The first five balls I played were really difficult. I think it was the second last over before tea (when I came in to bat). I was