As the Indian team sets its sights on the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, the spotlight remains firmly on their white-ball assignments, which will include crucial ODI and T20I series against England. Having secured the T20 World Cup 2024 title, India now seeks to add another prestigious ICC trophy to its cabinet. As they prepare for this highly anticipated event, there is mounting speculation about which players will make the cut for the Champions Trophy squad. One of the most discussed names is that of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in exceptional form in domestic cricket. The young left-handed batter is seen as a strong contender for a spot in the ODI squad, offering the possibility of a balanced top-order lineup alongside stalwarts like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. However, his inclusion could raise the question of whether he might displace Shreyas Iyer, whose form in domestic cricket has been nothing short of sensational.
Iyer’s recent performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have highlighted his ongoing brilliance with the bat. He has scored a remarkable 312 runs in just four matches, with a standout 137 against Puducherry, a knock that proved pivotal in Mumbai’s victory. Mumbai’s chances seemed bleak at 82 for five, but Iyer’s match-winning 133-ball 133, which included 16 fours and four sixes, helped his team recover and post a challenging total. The opposition was eventually bowled out for just 127, sealing a comprehensive win for Mumbai. But perhaps more impressive was his explosive 114 off 55 balls against Karnataka, which included five fours and 10 sixes. He reached his century in just 50 balls, showcasing his aggressive approach and ability to dominate bowlers with ease.
Beyond the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Iyer’s form has been consistent across multiple formats. In the Ranji Trophy, he accumulated 452 runs in four matches at an average of 90.40, with a strike rate of 88.80 and a top score of 233. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was equally effective, scoring 345 runs in nine matches, with a remarkable average of 49.28 and an explosive strike rate of 188.52. His unbeaten 130 in the SMAT 2024 final helped guide Mumbai to victory, further solidifying his reputation as a match-winner. Iyer’s performances in domestic cricket demonstrate that he remains in peak form, ready to contribute to India’s cause in the Champions Trophy.
Iyer’s ability to perform on the international stage has been proven time and again. His contributions to India’s successful 2023 ODI World Cup campaign were invaluable, where he scored 530 runs in 11 innings at an average of 66.25, with a strike rate of 113.24. He was India’s third-highest run-scorer in the tournament, behind only Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Iyer’s two centuries, including a crucial knock in the semi-final against New Zealand, were pivotal in India’s path to the title. His composure in pressure situations and his ability to adapt to different match conditions make him a vital asset in any format.
Despite his remarkable consistency, Iyer's exclusion from the BCCI’s annual contract list was seen as a setback. However, he bounced back strongly in the subsequent ODI series against Sri Lanka, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His form in domestic cricket, coupled with his contributions on the international stage, make a compelling case for his inclusion in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy. With the tournament fast approaching, India’s selectors will have to make crucial decisions about the balance of the squad, particularly in the middle order.
While Jaiswal’s form and potential are generating considerable buzz, Shreyas Iyer's proven track record in domestic cricket and international tournaments like the ODI World Cup give him an edge in the race for selection. Iyer’s ability to play crucial knocks in high-stakes matches, his adaptability across formats, and his solid domestic performances suggest that he will be an integral part of India’s middle order for the Champions Trophy. With his experience, consistency, and form, Iyer is well-positioned to play a key role in India’s pursuit of another ICC title in 2025.
The debate over whether Iyer or Jaiswal should secure a place in the Champions Trophy squad is likely to be one of the most talked-about topics as the tournament draws closer. Both players offer valuable attributes to the team, but Iyer’s experience and demonstrated ability to deliver under pressure make him an important asset to India’s Champions Trophy ambitions. His all-round form this season—both in domestic cricket and internationally—ensures that he remains one of the most vital players in India’s white-ball setup, capable of making the difference in crucial encounters. As the competition for spots intensifies, Iyer’s form and experience make a compelling case for his inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
