After leading Team India to yet another glorious chapter in its cricketing history, captain Rohit Sharma gave special recognition to Shreyas Iyer, calling him the “silent hero” of the tournament.
A packed Dubai stadium and millions of fans across the world celebrated as India clinched a thrilling four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.
India’s Middle Order – The Unsung Hero
Throughout the tournament, India’s middle order played a crucial role in stabilizing the team during tricky situations. Whether rescuing the innings after an early collapse or forming match-saving partnerships, the middle order provided vital support.
“I am very proud of this team. We knew the conditions would be difficult, but we adapted well. If you look at all the games, the first game was against Bangladesh. I know it was only 230, but we knew that the wicket was a little slow. We needed partnerships, and the batters made big partnerships,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
Shreyas Iyer – India’s Leading Run-Getter
Despite not scoring a big century, Shreyas Iyer emerged as India’s top run-scorer, finishing the tournament with 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60, just behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.
Rohit highlighted Shreyas’ crucial partnerships in key games, including the semi-final against Australia alongside Virat Kohli and the group-stage encounters against Pakistan and New Zealand.
“Not to forget the silent hero Shreyas Iyer, who, throughout the tournament, was brilliant. He was very, very important in that middle phase for us. Stitched the partnerships with all the batters who are batting with him—that semi-final against Australia with him and Virat at that point was very, very important. And even against Pakistan and New Zealand, the league game that we played,” Rohit said.
Shreyas’ Crucial Knock in the Final
Even in the final, when Rohit was dismissed after missing a wild swing, Shreyas ensured India remained on course. His 61-run partnership with Axar Patel kept New Zealand from mounting a comeback.
Shreyas was eventually dismissed while attempting to take on Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, holing out to Rachin Ravindra at backward square leg.
“And even today, to be honest, when I got out, we had lost three wickets. And at that time, again, we needed a partnership of 50 to 70 runs, which he and Shreyas have done. So, when such performances happen, when you understand the conditions and adapt the conditions as soon as possible, it feels good. So that’s why my work is less than it should be,” Rohit added.
With his steady performances and match-winning partnerships, Shreyas Iyer proved to be a vital pillar of India’s success, cementing his place as a key player in India’s middle order.