At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 2, Shreyas Iyer produced a vital half-century against New Zealand while under duress in the Champions Trophy 2025. On a spin-friendly surface, India lost their top three batsmen in the first powerplay, but Iyer kept the innings together and helped the Men in Blue achieve a respectable 249/9.
Prior to the Champions Trophy, India and England played a three-match ODI series at home.
Virat Kohli’s injury at the final minute gave Shreyas a chance to prove himself to the team management even though he wasn’t expected to participate in the first ODI.
He took full advantage of his chance, finishing as the series’ second-highest run scorer with two half-centuries in three games.
Shreyas has scored back-to-back half-centuries in the Champions Trophy against Pakistan and New Zealand after getting removed cheaply in India’s opening match against Bangladesh.
Aakash Chopra, a former cricket player for India, commended the Mumbai batter for maintaining his composure despite losing his central contract and being cut from the national squad.
He was kicked off the team after losing his central contract. Everything worked against Iyer when he underwent surgery as well. However, he deserves praise for maintaining his resolve and rejoining Team India. He is now routinely scoring runs, Chopra said.
It’s encouraging to notice that his appetite has returned: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, was delighted with Shreyas’s consistency with the bat and his desire for runs.
It’s encouraging to see that he is once again hungry. Since he solidified his position at No. 4, he has been playing well innings after innings, Shastri stated.
On a challenging batting track, India was saved by Shreyas’ 79 off 98 balls. On Tuesday, March 4, the undefeated Indian team advanced to the semi-finals after bowling out New Zealand for 205 in 45.3 overs.
India
