Champions Trophy: Indian Middle Order In ICC ODI Knockouts – Icy At Times, Nervy At Others

March 9, 2025: As India prepares to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, the spotlight is firmly on their middle order, which could play a decisive role in securing a record seventh ICC title for the Men in Blue. The Indian middle-order has been in the spotlight for its ability to display both calmness and nervy moments during ICC ODI knockouts, and this final promises to be no different.

Since the golden days of the Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, and Suresh Raina trio, India’s middle order has evolved into one of the most well-rounded in world cricket. With Shreyas Iyer at number four, Axar Patel at number five, KL Rahul at number six, and Hardik Pandya at number seven, India has a dynamic and flexible middle order that covers all bases, adapting to different match situations, conditions, and seasons.

Shreyas Iyer has been India’s go-to man in ICC knockout games, with a stellar record of 154 runs at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of over 114. His stunning 67-ball ton against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinals is a testament to his ability to rise under pressure. Although he failed in his previous ICC final appearance, Iyer has a perfect opportunity to redeem himself against a team he has consistently performed well against. With an average of over 70 against New Zealand, Iyer’s presence in the middle order is crucial.

Axar Patel has been a dependable all-rounder, though he has played fewer knockout matches. He contributed with both bat and ball in the semifinals against Australia, scoring a vital 27 runs off 30 balls in a tough run chase and dismissing Glenn Maxwell at a crucial moment. With his calm presence, Axar has shown his potential to be a difference-maker in pressure situations.

KL Rahul, despite having the ability to adapt to every situation, remains one of the most frustrating performers in knockouts. While his recent 42* in 34 balls against Australia in the semifinals was a timely comeback, Rahul’s struggles in the 2023 World Cup final and his early failure against New Zealand in 2019 still haunt his career. Can Rahul finally justify his talent and deliver a match-winning performance in this high-stakes final?

Hardik Pandya, known for his hard-hitting prowess, has earned a reputation as India’s ‘clutch man’. From his counter-attacking 76 against Pakistan in the 2017 CT final to his quick cameo of 28 runs off 24 balls against Australia in the 2025 semifinal, Hardik has consistently risen to the occasion when the team needed him most. His 145 runs in three ICC knockout matches, with a strike rate over 105, make him a crucial asset for India, especially in tense situations.

Together, the Indian middle order is equipped to rise to any occasion and could be the key to India’s title hopes in the CT 2025 final. Will they deliver collectively and go down in history as one of the most dependable middle orders ever? The outcome of this final may very well rest on their shoulders.

Squads:
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Rishabh Pant.

New Zealand Squad: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy.