India’s historic Champions Trophy 2025 victory was filled with standout performances, but one player who flew under the radar was Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. The stylish batter played a pivotal role in India’s success, finishing as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament. Despite his consistent contributions, he did not receive a single Man of the Match award, something that former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes highlights his unsung hero status.
Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025: A Story of Consistency Without Recognition
Iyer, who had been out of India’s Test and T20I setup, made a remarkable comeback to the ODI squad during the England series and the Champions Trophy. His performances proved why he is India’s best No. 4 batter in ODIs.
📊 Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 Stats:
✅ Matches Played: 5
✅ Runs Scored: 243
✅ Batting Average: 60.75
✅ Highest Score: 81
✅ Key Knock in Final: 48 (rescued India after early wickets)
His ability to absorb pressure and build partnerships became crucial, especially when India lost Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma early in the final.
Kaif, speaking on Star Sports, admitted that Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 form was surprising, considering he had not played regularly for India in Tests or T20Is.
🗣 “I was surprised by his form. He neither plays Tests nor is he in the T20I squad. He plays only ODIs for India. So you are not there in the team continuously. You have to straightaway play for India after playing in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, and in a zone where you have to attack, hit boundaries, and play your natural game.”
Kaif on Why Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 Performance Deserves More Recognition
Mohammad Kaif, a key figure in India’s 2003 World Cup campaign, is known for identifying young talent and appreciating selfless players. He believes Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 contributions deserve more credit.
🗣 “I admire this batter because many players came and went at the No. 4 position. We weren’t getting players for the No. 4 position. This guy came, made his place, and played impactful knocks. He is this tournament’s second-highest run-getter, but he didn’t get a single Man of the Match.”
Why Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 Role Was Crucial for India:
✅ India struggled to find a solid No. 4 for years – Several players were tried but failed to cement the position.
✅ Iyer’s temperament is ideal for the role – Absorbs pressure, builds partnerships, and accelerates when needed.
✅ ODI specialist status – Despite not playing Tests or T20Is, he delivers consistently in ODIs.
Iyer’s ability to anchor the innings and provide stability in crucial matches made him one of India’s most valuable players in Champions Trophy 2025.
Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025: India’s No. 4 Solution After Years of Struggle
Finding the perfect No. 4 batter has been a long-standing issue for India, especially in ICC tournaments.
📢 India’s No. 4 Experimentation Over the Years:
🟢 2019 World Cup: Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul were rotated but failed to deliver.
🟢 Post-2019: Several players, including Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson, were tried but lacked consistency.
🟢 Shreyas Iyer’s Breakthrough: Since 2022, Iyer has cemented his place with consistent ODI performances.
His success in the 2023 ODI World Cup and now in Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 campaign have ended the debate about India’s No. 4 position.
Why Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 Performance Went Unnoticed?
Despite scoring 243 runs in five matches, Iyer was never named Man of the Match, primarily because he played selfless supporting roles rather than scoring big centuries.
📌 Why Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 Contributions Were Underrated:
✅ Didn’t score massive centuries – His highest score was 81, while other batters had bigger knocks.
✅ Played selfless cricket – Focused on stabilizing innings rather than individual milestones.
✅ Came in during tough situations – His 45 in the semi-final and 48 in the final were low-scoring but high-impact innings.
His role was similar to Rahul Dravid in the early 2000s, where match-winning contributions were often overshadowed by top-order fireworks.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer? Will He Get More Chances in Other Formats?
With his consistent ODI performances, many experts believe Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 form should earn him another chance in Tests and T20Is.
📊 Shreyas Iyer’s Recent ODI Form:
✅ 7 scores of 40+ in his last 8 matches
✅ Crucial contributions in back-to-back ICC events
✅ India’s best No. 4 batter in recent years
📢 Future Challenges for Shreyas Iyer:
🔹 Will he return to Test cricket? – India needs a middle-order stabilizer for overseas conditions.
🔹 Can he break into the T20I squad? – His aggressive batting style suits T20s, but competition is stiff.
🔹 Will he maintain his ODI form until the 2027 World Cup? – Consistency will be key for long-term selection.
With India preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 performances suggest he will play a key role in the middle order.
Final Thoughts: Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 – The Underrated Hero of India’s Victory
While the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah grabbed headlines, Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 campaign proved to be just as instrumental in securing India’s third Champions Trophy title.
🚀 Key Takeaways:
✅ Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 stats – 243 runs, second-highest scorer for India.
✅ Played two crucial knocks in the semi-final (45) & final (48) under pressure.
✅ Didn’t receive a single Man of the Match award despite consistent performances.
✅ Mohammad Kaif praised Iyer for solving India’s No. 4 problem.
✅ Future selection in Tests & T20Is remains uncertain despite ODI consistency.
Shreyas Iyer Champions Trophy 2025 performances are a reminder that not all heroes get the spotlight, but their contributions shape victories. If he continues this form, he could be a key player in India’s future ICC campaigns.
💬 Do you think Shreyas Iyer deserves more chances in Tests and T20Is? Share your thoughts in the comments below! ⬇️🏏
