Shreyas Iyer was India's leading run-getter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He ended the tournament with 243 runs from five matches at an average of 48.60. In the final, he scored a crucial 48 and played his part in the run-chase.
Iyer will now lead Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. He was released by KKR after a title-winning season with them in 2024. From losing his central contract with BCCI to now being one of the most important players in India's ODI squad, Iyer has made a huge turn arounds as a cricketer.
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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped a lot of praise on the Indian middle-order batsman for the way he has turned his career around. Kaif said that since Iyer does not play Test and T20I cricket for India currently, there is added pressure on him to perform.
"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 elaborated, speaking on Star Sports regarding Shreyas' form.
I Admire Him- Md Kaif On Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer now had had two good back to back ICC tournaments for India. He scored 530 runs in 11 games in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He followed it up with another good stint in the Champions Trophy where he scored 243 runs in five matches at an average close to 70.
"I admire him because many players came and went at the No. 4 position. We weren't getting players for the No. 4 position. This guy came and 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," Kaif added.
Iyer while speaking to TOI after India's Champions Trophy win, spoke about not getting enough recognition despite his consistent performances and stood up for players getting enough respect in the game. After a title-winning season with KKR in IPL 2024, Punjab Kings are now backing him to end their title wait in the IPL.
