You’d think that putting Shreyas Iyer on the Man’s World cover right now would be counterintuitive. The 29-year-old cricketer is back home as the national squad battles it out for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies. And there’s been no shortage of chatter surrounding Iyer’s absence. But once you objectively take into account the spectacular year he’s had so far, and in Iyer’s words, “silenced the haters,” it’s mind-boggling how the primo cricketer’s being allowed to “relax” presently. Iyer was the third-highest run scorer (post Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) for India in the ICC World Cup, and 7th in the whole tournament, with a commendable strike rate of a 113. Most recently and stunningly, he captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League—marking his return to the most entertaining and fast-moving format of the sport, post a gruesome back injury that saw him skip the previous season. Make note, this wasn’t the first time that Iyer had led the charge. In 2020, he had steered his previous team, the Delhi Capitals, to their first IPL final. All indicative of the superior cricketer’s prowess to show who’s the boss.

Outfit: Louis Vuitton, Jewellery: INOX

But none of this is why we put him on the cover. Not for his cricketing chops and the brute force with which he’s driven India to victory on many an occasion. Nor was it for his might, resilience and purpose in a top batting order that he’s consistently proven in his decade-long cricketing career. Quite simply, this is Iyer’s era. He’s done lurking in the shadows; now sitting comfortably between the establishment and the new guard—with time on his hands to continue achieving greatness while having the experience and maturity to separate himself from the freshmen. He plays every inch the part of the celebrity cricketer that this country loves to prey on—from the tattoo of a globe peeking under his immaculate fade to his swagger-inducing clothes that look like they’ve been amassed from every hype brand (AMI and Jaywalking included) across the world that he showcases to his 11M followers. And perhaps, most refreshing of all, he isn’t loud and aggressive on a public forum like many of his ilk—you’ll rarely see an obtuse statement come out of his mouth or an in-your-face report of his personal life, besides a few good videos of him dancing on social media.

Blazer: Khanijo, Shirt: Selected Homme, Tie: Ted Baker from The Collective, Pants: Urvashi Kaur, Jewellery: INOX

When Iyer walked on to the Man’s World set, he navigated the room with equal parts restraint and humility. Doing as much as he needed to be friendly, without stealing the spotlight. He’s confident, comfortable in his own skin, and way past trying to prove that he’s the most powerful force present. It’s telling of his maturity but also a manner that’s made both fans and haters question his personality to be icy, and according to him, “arrogant.” Iyer’s distance is, in fact, his most endearing trait. One that makes him, perhaps, normal. A regular Mumbai local who happened to become a potent cricketer, ready for his stab at greatness.

Shirt: Erode, Shoes: Nike

How did you feel after the big IPL win?  

Shreyas Iyer: That night it stayed with me, but the next morning is when reality hit hard. We were just chilling by the pool and my phone was swamped with messages. Once I was back home, everything just went back to normal. The only thing I regret is that I couldn’t thank my teammates and the support staff individually in person. The hard work to get what we got was phenomenal. 

You didn’t react euphorically when you were crowned champions.  

SI: Even my mom and sister said the same thing. My sister was going crazy on the field. My mother asked, ‘Why aren’t you celebrating, why aren’t you happy?’ I was like I’ve already won this in my mind. I must’ve played out the moment 19-20 times. When it happened on the field, I was emotionless because I’d previously spent so much energy thinking about the game. 

What was magical about this KKR squad?  

SI: I feel that we had a great think tank with Gautam Gambhir (GG) and Chandrakant Pandit sir. Both knew their roles really well. Other people like Abhishek Nair as well, who was incredible in handling the domestic and international players. The routines we went through before the matches were top notch. No one took the opportunity lightly. Everyone stepped up at the right time and they played for the team. Their individual performances were secondary. If you see there was no purple cap, no orange cap. Only MVP Sunil Narine which was a great move by GG to make him the opener. To be honest I didn’t expect him to come out with such a high response. He set the tone for every batsman that came after him. In a puzzle, you need all the pieces to fit perfectly together. That’s what it was. 

Sum up the IPL 2024. 

SI: I played after a year and this time I kept thinking, ‘Wow the IPL just isn’t getting over’. We played 14 matches. Previously when we played time would fly. This time around there was so much of effort on what combinations to play. Many activities go on behind the scenes. It’s draining but it’s fun because you travel from one city to another, and you meet so many people along the way. They wish well for you, and some criticise you. It’s a fun journey overall but the competition also became tougher with the Impact Player rule. It’s why you could see some record-breaking scores, which we didn’t expect to be honest. I remember the game we played against Kings XI Punjab. We scored 260 and as a captain I thought, ‘Okay we’re winning this game’. There’s no way you could think about losing from that situation but then you realise that you can’t take any game lightly. You can’t underestimate any team or player. Anyone can come in and break the momentum. 

How do you handle pressure?  

SI: I see pressure as an opportunity. I feel butterflies in my tummy but also at the same time I know that the opposition feels the same. No one is invincible. But one thing I keep telling myself is that if you believe in yourself then anything is possible. That’s one thing I thrive on a lot. Challenges take me into a different zone. And when I’m in that zone, I function with blinders on.

Overshirt & Pants: Urvashi Kaur, Slides: Rosso Brunello, Jewellery: INOX

What are you most proud of with yourself?  

SI: Having a strong sense of self-belief, no matter what situation I’m put into or the pressure the team is feeling at that given time. I try to stay as calm as possible and tell myself that we are going to win anyhow. The thought of losing never comes to my mind.  

Do you think people judge you negatively? 

SI: When people see me walking around, they think I have a lot of attitude. It’s just that I’m constantly with myself, in my head. I might just walk past you and won’t realise that you’re there because I’m thinking about something all the time. That’s where I get misunderstood at times. If you don’t know me personally then you would’ve said the same thing— ‘he has so much attitude, he is arrogant’. Unless and until you don’t speak to me, you wouldn’t know me. But it doesn’t hurt me. I turn a deaf ear to it. The best answer is in your mind, not in what people say. 

Are you an introvert? 

SI: I’m a bit reserved. But I have opened up a little. I feel that you should talk only when it’s required. Don’t give your input when it’s not needed. When you say something, you have to create an impact. If you’re not creating an impact, there’s no point in talking.  

Has that hurt you more recently? Not being vocal enough? 

SI: I feel at times, yes. This can be a bit controversial, but I’ll keep it subtle; I’ll just say that I like to stay in the present. Whatever’s been said or done by anyone in the past, I don’t like to dwell in those thoughts because then you get into a negative zone. I’m optimistic in my approach and my attitude is phenomenal when it comes to doing my work right. I just tick my boxes, be right in my preparations, keep looking forward to something new, and achieve greater goals.  

When’s the last time you cried? 

SI: Possibly while watching some emotional movie. Cricket wise, I remember when I was playing my 3rd or 4th Ranji Trophy game in Andhra Pradesh, I was batting in the nets and wasn’t scoring at all. A medium pacer was bowling, and I couldn’t time the ball. I was so frustrated. I started crying, thinking ‘What is happening? I can’t touch the ball’. Next innings I got 95. I’ve got this habit where if I don’t do well or am not feeling great, I see to it that I hit the gym or do something that will keep me busy. It’s not like a punishment, but it encourages me to become better.

Polo Shirt: Selected Homme, Jewellery: INOX

What was your childhood like? 

SI: I came from a conservative South Indian background and went to an all-boys school. When I would see girls or women around me, I would run away from them. I used to think that they’re some sort of aliens and would do some magic on me or kidnap me. I think that helped me a lot in focussing on my work (laughs). Growing up I played every sport: cricket, football, hockey basketball, table tennis. There came a point where my dad forced me to get into one. And I got selected for both football and cricket. But then I’d gone to see Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Saurav Ganguly play. They inspired me. Also, my dad played cricket in college. That encouraged me to take it up as a sport. When I played in my society with my friends in [Adarsh Nagar in Worli] in Mumbai, I realised that I’m better than these guys.  

How did growing up in Mumbai shape your life? 

SI: I feel when you’re born and brought up in Mumbai, no matter how famous you are, there’s always someone who’s bigger than you. So, you remain humble and grounded from the start. That’s perhaps what’s kept me so low key and respectful towards everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a business tycoon or a labourer, my respect for you is the same. I know the hustle. You hustle to get to where you are at. You will get abused and criticised. But you learn how to handle things.  
 
 

Do you consider yourself to be a celebrity? 

SI: People around me say that you’re a celebrity now and you won’t have time for us. But I’ve always been the same. I never think of myself as a celebrity but I’m someone who likes to be alone. I’m a lone wolf. I stay alone at home; watch movies, or if my friends are around—who I love spending time with—play FIFA or poker with them. Basically, play anything that I can beat them at. 

*Iyer’s manager Megh Adhvaryu chimes in. What’s Shreyas like as a friend? 

MA: He won’t shower you with affection. Sometimes he’s abusing you, pulling your leg. But when someone is going through a tough time, he’s always that one phone call away. He’ll sort you out. It could be materialistic or non-materialistic but he’s always there for his people. He has tight group of five friends. 

How different are you now from when you first started playing cricket?  

SI: I think there’s been a drastic change in my personality from a decade ago. When I was in the UK playing club cricket and living by myself, that’s when I realised the value of life: cooking, cleaning, and being alone. When I got into domestic cricket and the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team; Abhishek Nair was my roommate and he helped me a lot to grow as an individual outside of cricket. I get along better with people who are older than me. They aren’t cribbing all the time, saying this or that isn’t happening. That’s how I am today: Grateful.

Coat: Khanijo, Jewellery: INOX

Your personal style 

Simple yet elegant, with swagger.  

Your philosophy 

I apply what the NFL player [Deion Sanders] had once said, “If you look good, you feel good, if you feel good, you play good, if you play good, they pay good.”   

Best purchase 

The house I’m staying in Mumbai right now. 

Your greatest achievement?  

Winning the IPL! When you dream about achieving something great like winning it, it’s like silencing everything that has gone behind you.  

Five years from now… 

I want to win the highest number of championships and trophies ever. It’s my biggest motivation.

Credits:
Editor: Shivangi Lolayekar (@shivangil23)
Creative Director: Suprit Parulkar (@supritparulkar)
Photographer: Roy (@leroifoto)
Stylists: Suprit Parulkar (@supritparulkar) and Sejal Parulkar (@sejalparulkar)
Art Director: Hemali Limbachiya (@hema_limbachiya)
Head of Production: Siddhi Chavan (@randomwonton)
Makeup: Cassandra Kehran (@inherchair)
Hair: Team Hakim’s Aalim (@aalimhakim)
Set Assistant: Devanshi Rinwa (@devanshirinwa)
Talent Agency: Rise Worldwide (@r1seworldwide)
Location: Creatorland