February 7, 2025: In a dramatic twist, Shreyas Iyer ended up playing a crucial role in India’s victory over England in the first ODI, despite not being in the original playing XI. Iyer, who was initially set to sit out the game, received a late-night call from captain Rohit Sharma, informing him that he would be replacing Virat Kohli due to the latter’s knee issue.
Iyer was watching a movie when he got the unexpected call. “I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from the skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. And then I hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straight away,” Iyer explained after the match.
Despite the late-night call, Iyer was ready to step up. His inclusion into the playing XI led to a reshuffle in India’s batting order. Yashasvi Jaiswal made his debut, opening the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, while Shubman Gill was dropped to number three. However, it was unclear if Gill would remain in that position once Virat Kohli returned to the side.
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The game was a tense one. India, chasing 248, lost two quick wickets of Rohit Sharma and debutant Jaiswal early in the innings. This put the pressure on the middle-order. Enter Shreyas Iyer, who played an electrifying knock of 59 off 36 balls. His quick-fire innings turned the game in India’s favor, helping to stabilize the chase after early setbacks. Along with Iyer, Shubman Gill (87 off 96) and Axar Patel (52 off 47) contributed crucial runs, guiding India to a 4-wicket win.
India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/33) and Harshit (3/56), restricted England to 247, setting the stage for a thrilling chase. Iyer’s performance under pressure showed why he remains a vital part of India’s middle-order, particularly in ODIs.
Over the past few years, Shreyas has become a key figure for India, especially in the number four spot. He was a crucial member of the team during India’s journey to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, scoring 468 runs at an impressive average of 66.25. His contributions, including a memorable 105 off 70 balls in the semi-final against New Zealand, have solidified his spot in India’s lineup.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, questions about India’s batting order remain. With Virat Kohli’s return likely, it’s uncertain where Iyer will bat, especially with Jaiswal’s left-handed batting style offering a new dimension to the team. The remaining two ODIs against England will provide further clarity on India’s approach ahead of their Champions Trophy campaign starting on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Iyer’s match-winning knock in the first ODI was a reminder of the unpredictability of cricket and how quickly players must adapt to changing circumstances.