Shreyas Iyer says he is feeling “on top of the world” after regaining fitness in time for the restart of the Indian Premier League season.
The Delhi Capitals captain missed the first part of the campaign due to a shoulder injury.
Even before the side decamped from India to Dubai ahead of the rescheduled second phase, Iyer's rehabilitation included time spent both with and against the UAE side.
The national team are themselves preparing for a series of T20 matches against Ireland and Namibia, as those two sides look ahead to participation in the T20 World Cup, starting next month.
Having come to Dubai the week before the rest of his franchise colleagues, Iyer trained with Delhi’s assistant coach Pravin Amre, and the UAE team.
That included a centre-wicket practice at the ICC Academy, where he batted alongside some of the emerging players from the UAE team.
“I am feeling on top of the world, to be honest,” Iyer said.
“This was the thing I was eagerly waiting for. It's never a bad feeling to be among the team.
“I came six days prior to the start of the practice sessions for the team, and I had two good games against the UAE team, so I just want to continue with the same momentum.”
Iyer underwent surgery during the first half of the IPL 2021, said he was unhappy to have to sit and watch instead of making a contribution on the field.
“The feeling was very difficult to sit out and see my teammates play,” Iyer said.
“I was sitting in front of the TV, watching each and every game and feeling as if I am on the ground and trying to replicate the scenario at my place.
“But, it's in the past now, I have to forget about it and continue with the same flow, the team has maintained throughout.”
Delhi did not exactly suffer in his absence. When the league was suspended because of the advance of the pandemic in India, they sat on top of the table.
They will restart their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22 in Dubai.
Iyer said he was delighted to finally take possession of Delhi’s 2021 season shirt.
“It was like Santa Claus had come to my room, and that's how I reacted,” he said.
“It's always good to wear the Delhi Capitals jersey. I have been wearing it for six years now.
“We have discussed how we should progress through the practice sessions before the matches start.
“We have decided that we should be moving incrementally. We don't have to give it our all because the climate is different over here.
“We need to adapt to the weather conditions and acclimatise as quickly as possible, and that's what our mindset should be.”
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')
Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
