India’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy was a result of collective team performance, with contributions from every player. While star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played crucial roles, Mohammad Kaif pointed out Shreyas Iyer as a standout performer who might be going unnoticed. Despite not being a regular in Test or T20I squads, Iyer emerged as India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament. Kaif expressed admiration for Iyer, highlighting the pressure on him to perform immediately in ODIs, given his sporadic inclusion in the national team.
Iyer demonstrated impressive form, scoring 243 runs in five matches, including consistent scores of over 40 in the last four games, with half-centuries against Pakistan and New Zealand. This continued his strong performance from the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he scored 530 runs. Kaif emphasized Iyer’s importance in solidifying the No. 4 batting position for India in ODIs, a spot that has been inconsistent for years. Despite being the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, Iyer did not receive a Man of the Match award. His consistent contributions made him a contender for the Player of the Tournament award, which eventually went to Rachin Ravindra. Iyer also brought celebratory spirit to the team with his dance moves after the win.
