'Unsung Hero: Rohit Sharma praises Shreyas Iyer's crucial role in India's Champions Trophy 2025 victory'

India secured a resounding victory in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, expertly chasing down 254 against New Zealand to claim their first ODI trophy since 2013. The team displayed outstanding performance throughout the tournament, winning five consecutive matches with precision and flair.

One of the key performers for India throughout was Shreyas Iyer, who finished the tournament as the team’s highest scorer with 243 runs at an average of 48.50. While Iyer top-scored with 79, his consistency of runs was remarkable in the middle order, with the Mumbai batter becoming the template for what a number four batter in ODIs should look like.

Also Read: How much money did Team India and its players receive on winning the Champions Trophy? What about hosts Pakistan?

Iyer’s consistency and dependability didn’t go unnoticed for the senior figures in the team, with skipper Rohit Sharma crediting him and praising his significance to this team through the campaign in Dubai.

“Shreyas Iyer was the silent hero for us. He was very crucial in the middle order. Even when I got out today, he played a crucial innings and made a partnership with Axar,” said Rohit in his press conference.

Iyer scored 48 against the Kiwis, steadying the ship and ensuring India didn’t play themselves into trouble after a fantastic start. Iyer had played a similar role scoring a half-century in the chase against Pakistan, as well as in the chase against Australia in the semifinal, while rescuing India from 30-3 against New Zealand in the group stages.

“He stitched the partnerships with all the batters who were batting with him. That semi-final against Australia with him and Virat at that point was very important,” said Rohit, crediting his domestic and international teammate.

Iyer reflects on clutch performances

Iyer’s tournament continues his strong form in ODI cricket, where he seems to have become an undroppable player in the middle order despite reportedly being on the fringe of the team during the bilateral series against England in the lead-up. This is now two excellent ODI tournaments in a row for Iyer, with an IPL title as captain for KKR sandwiched between them.

The 30-year-old also spoke about how he enjoys such situations while batting when interviewed on-pitch after the conclusion of the match.

“To be honest, I love to bat under pressure. I thrive under pressure, and I really like that challenge,” explained Iyer. “I always want to get a big one, but if you can contribute enough for your team and it leads up to a victory, that's more than enough for me.”

Iyer will now return as the captain of the Punjab Kings, and attempt to live up to being one of the most expensive players in the history of the IPL, with his first ICC winner’s medal around his neck.

ICC Champions Trophy , ICC Champions Trophy Schedule , and Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table – stay ahead with real-time match updates, team standings, and insights. Check live cricket score , player stats, and ICC rankings of top players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli . Get expert analysis, match previews, and in-depth coverage of ICC CT 2025, IPL 2025 Schedule and IPL 2025, all on HT Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times – your trusted source for cricket news along with IND vs NZ Live Score. .freemium-card h4{color:#fff; padding-bottom:20px;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{padding-bottom:16px; color:#fff;} .freemium-card .freemium-content{width: auto; max-width: inherit;} .freemium-card .freemium-content .subcTxt{max-width:inherit; font-size:18px; padding-top:0; line-height:24px} .freemium-card .btnSubc{margin} .freemium-card .btnSubc a{background:#000; color:#fff; min-width:auto; padding:5px 15px; border-radius:6px; font-size:16px; line-height:22px; font-weight:700;} .freemium-card{height:285px} @media (max-width: 767px) { .freemium-card h4{font-size:28px} .freemium-card .freemium-content{max-width:360px; padding: 20px;} .freemium-card{height:303px; background-position: 100% 0; } }