India’s captain praises Shreyas Iyer’s consistency and crucial partnerships, highlighting his impact in securing India’s historic third Champions Trophy title.
Dubai [UAE], March 10: After leading India to a historic Champions Trophy victory, skipper Rohit Sharma reserved special praise for Shreyas Iyer, calling him the “silent hero” of the tournament.
While the spotlight shone on Rohit, Virat Kohli, and India’s bowling unit, Shreyas quietly anchored the middle order, stitching crucial partnerships and playing match-defining knocks.
“Not to forget the silent hero, Shreyas Iyer. Throughout the tournament, he was brilliant. He played a very important role in the middle phase for us, forming crucial partnerships at key moments,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
Shreyas Iyer: India’s Middle-Order Backbone
Shreyas finished the tournament as India’s top run-getter, amassing 243 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 48.60. He only trailed behind Rachin Ravindra in the overall tournament standings.
Despite not scoring a century, his ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate at the right moments proved invaluable in India’s successful campaign.
Rohit cited multiple instances where Shreyas played a defining role in India’s journey to the title:
- Semi-final vs Australia: A vital partnership with Virat Kohli helped India set up a strong total.
- Group stage vs Pakistan & New Zealand: He provided stability in tricky situations.
- Final vs New Zealand: His 61-run stand with Axar Patel ensured India stayed on track after Rohit’s dismissal.
“When I got out, we had lost three wickets, and we needed a 50-70 run partnership. Shreyas once again stepped up and did exactly that. When players adapt to the conditions so well, it makes my job easier as a captain,” Rohit added.
Champions Trophy Final: India’s Road to Glory
India secured a four-wicket victory over New Zealand, marking their third ICC Champions Trophy win.
Chasing 252 runs, Rohit set the tone with a blistering 76, but Shreyas’s composed 48 off 62 balls proved pivotal in guiding India home. His calculated approach ensured India didn’t lose momentum, setting up the perfect platform for KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya to finish the chase.
With this Champions Trophy win, India has now lifted back-to-back ICC white-ball titles, solidifying their status as a global powerhouse in cricket.
Tags: Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Champions Trophy 2025, India vs New Zealand, ICC Trophy, Team India, BCCI, Cricket Final, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul