Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic and adaptable middle-order batter, is all set to make his mark in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with India being placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The much-anticipated tournament, scheduled to begin on February 19, will see Iyer once again at the heart of India's middle order, a position he has firmly established himself in over recent years, most notably during the ODI World Cup 2023.
Iyer's stellar performance in the 2023 World Cup was a testament to his skill and temperament under pressure. He scored a total of 530 runs across 11 innings, boasting an exceptional average of 66.25 and a blistering strike rate of 113.24. His tally included two centuries and three fifties, underscoring his consistency and ability to anchor the innings when required. Looking back on his World Cup exploits, Iyer reflected on the pivotal middle-order partnership he forged with KL Rahul. Both players were instrumental in stabilizing the Indian innings during crucial moments, though they could not manage to carry their team across the finish line in the final. Despite the heartbreak of falling short in the final, Iyer's contribution throughout the tournament cemented his status as a key player in India's limited-overs setup.
In a recent interview with ESPNCricinfo, Iyer expressed his readiness to be part of India's squad for the Champions Trophy, with a focus on continuing to build on his recent successes. He emphasized that he is flexible and willing to bat at any position in the order, as required by the team. "Absolutely. I'm flexible and ready to bat anywhere in the batting order. KL and I, we played that important role in the middle during the World Cup. We had a great season together. It was just the last bit [the final] that we could not execute the way we wanted to. It will be a proud moment for me if I were to be picked in the Champions Trophy side to represent the country," Iyer said. His commitment to adapting his role for the team speaks volumes about his dedication to India's success and his maturity as a player.
Since the World Cup, Iyer has participated in four ODIs, scoring a modest 90 runs at an average of 22.5. While his recent form may not be as striking as his World Cup performance, he remains confident in his ability to contribute when it matters most. Despite these minor setbacks, Iyer's career has not been without its challenges. In February 2024, during India's Test series against England, he lost his place in the Test side. This was followed by the news of him losing his central contract due to reportedly missing domestic cricket. The decision raised some questions about his commitment to domestic cricket and his form, but Iyer's resolve and focus on the bigger picture have always been clear.
Iyer’s resilience was on full display when he took on the responsibility of leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024. His leadership was key to KKR's success, and it reaffirmed his reputation as a dependable leader and performer under pressure. Following this triumph, Iyer was snapped up by Punjab Kings for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him the second most expensive player in IPL history. This hefty price tag was a reflection of his growing stature in the game and his immense value to any franchise. As the newly appointed captain of Punjab Kings, Iyer will be tasked with leading the team in the upcoming IPL season, a challenge he is eager to take on.
Before he embarks on his IPL journey, Iyer's immediate focus remains on representing India in the Champions Trophy. With a strong track record in limited-overs cricket, he will be looking to further cement his reputation as one of the finest middle-order batters in the game. His versatility in the batting order will be invaluable to the team, as he can adapt his role based on the match situation. Iyer’s understanding of the game and his ability to assess match situations will be crucial as India aims to continue their dominant run in the shorter formats of the game.
Iyer’s dedication to his craft extends beyond his batting prowess. He is also constantly working on improving his fitness and his overall game. The Champions Trophy will be an important step in his journey as a cricketer, and he is determined to make the most of it. For Iyer, the key to success lies in being adaptable, staying fit, and maintaining the hunger to achieve more, no matter the challenges that come his way.
As India continues to build a formidable team for the Champions Trophy, Shreyas Iyer’s role will be crucial. His experience, coupled with his ability to adapt and his mental strength, will be key to India’s quest for further glory in limited-overs cricket. Iyer's upcoming stint in the Champions Trophy, combined with his leadership in IPL 2025, is poised to be another significant chapter in his cricketing career, as he looks to lead from the front both in international cricket and in the Indian Premier League.
