NEW DELHI: Known for his elegant stroke-play and ability to anchor innings under pressure, Shreyas Iyer could be the X-factor Team India needs for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy starting February 19.
Iyer adds stability to the middle order — a crucial component in ICC tournaments. His skill against spin and his ability to accelerate make him a dependable finisher in challenging conditions.
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Having last played for India during the Sri Lanka tour in August, Iyer will be hoping to keep his spot in the Indian team with the squad for England limited-overs series and Champions Trophy to be announced in the next 2-3 days.
Iyer had a dismal outing in Sri Lanka ODIs as he could muster only 38 runs in the three games at a lowly average of 12.66. But the 30-year-old Mumbai batter bounced back in style with some eye-catching performances in the 2024-25 domestic season.
Despite performing quite well in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, Iyer was dropped from the BCCI central contract list owing to disciplinary issues which also included his absence from domestic competitions.
After the Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle Down Under, the Men in Blue will now aim for another ICC title after their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, the sole focus will be on building a formidable squad to sustain their winning momentum on the global stage.
With a combined total of 4,336 runs across 14 Tests, 62 ODIs, and 51 T20Is at an average of 39.77 and a stunning strike-rate of 96.57, including six centuries, Iyer has established himself as a dependable middle-order batter.
He played a pivotal role in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, amassing 530 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24.
Despite the setbacks and challenges in his career, a resilient Iyer has risen like a phoenix, silencing critics with stellar performances in the domestic circuit. His classy knocks reaffirmed his status as a top-tier batter, proving his determination and hunger to succeed.
Iyer has been in scintillating form this domestic season. In the Ranji Trophy, he amassed 452 runs in just four matches at an impressive average of 90.40 and a strike rate of 88.80, including a top score of 233.
His dominance extended to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 345 runs in nine matches at an outstanding average of 49.28 and a strike rate of 188.52, with a highest score of an unbeaten 130. Leading from the front, Iyer led Mumbai to title victory in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.
Iyer has been a standout performer in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy as well, amassing 325 runs in five matches for Mumbai. A highlight of his campaign was his unbeaten 137 against Puducherry, where he rescued Mumbai from a precarious 82 for five. His 133-ball knock, featuring 16 fours and four sixes, powered Mumbai to a commanding total and a massive 163-run victory.
Prior to the Puducherry knock, Iyer demonstrated his explosive batting prowess with a blistering 114 off just 55 balls against Karnataka in Ahmedabad. His innings, studded with five fours and 10 sixes, saw him reach a century in just 50 deliveries, showcasing his ability to dominate in any format.
Iyer’s experience in tight games and adaptability to varying pitches provide an edge in high-stakes matches. With a strong domestic and international record, he has proven his mettle. Ignoring Iyer for the Champions Trophy 2025 squad could mean missing out on a game-changing asset.
