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India's captain Rohit Sharma expressed high regard for middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, labelling him as a 'silent hero' after winning Champions Trophy 2025 title. India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 final at the Dubai International cricket stadium on March 9. Shreyas Iyer's stellar knock was instrumental in India's Champions Trophy 2025 title triumph.
Shreyas Iyer was the silent hero for us: Rohit Sharma
In the crucial final against New Zealand, Iyer's innings of 48 runs proved pivotal in India's four-wicket win in the grand finale against New Zealand. At a critical juncture, with India at 122/3 while chasing 252, Iyer stitched a crucial 61-run partnership with Axar Patel for the fourth wicket. This partnership provided stability and momentum to India's chase, ultimately playing a key role in their successful pursuit of the target.
“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,” Rohit said at the post-match press conference.
Shreyas Iyer's journey through the Champions Trophy 2025 began with a disappointing performance, managing only 15 runs in India's opening Group A match against Bangladesh. However, he quickly rebounded, delivering a crucial knock of 56 runs against Pakistan. In that game, Iyer formed a significant 114-run partnership with Virat Kohli for the third wicket, contributing significantly to India's successful chase of 242 runs and securing a six-wicket victory.
Against New Zealand, Iyer showcased his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, scoring a valuable 79 runs off 98 balls. With India struggling at 30/3 following Virat Kohli's dismissal, Iyer's innings was instrumental in guiding the Men in Blue to a total of 249/9 from their 50 overs, a total they successfully defended. His ability to perform under pressure was again tested in the semi-final clash against Australia. With India at 43/2 in the eighth over, Iyer once again stepped up, forging a crucial 91-run partnership with Kohli for the third wicket. This partnership played a vital role in India's successful chase of 265 runs, securing a four-wicket victory and a place in the final.
Across five matches, Iyer accumulated a total of 241 runs at an average of 48.60 to end the tournament as the second-highest run-getter just behind New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra.
"I am over the moon, to be honest. It is pretty hard to sum it up in words. This has been my first ICC Trophy, and I am kind of overwhelmed by it. Kudos to each and every one in the dressing room. The way we have turned up in this tournament. It was simply magnificent," Shreyas Iyer said after the match.
“To be honest, I love to bat under pressure. I thrive under pressure, and I really, really like that challenge. 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. I am truly happy," he added.
