India's top-run scorer in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Shreyas Iyer was dubbed as 'silent hero' by captain Rohit Sharma after the title win on March 9. In though conditions of Dubai, Iyer negotiated well against the spinners and also handled the short ball ploy well on most occasions. Iyer feels he has earned the respect with his performances on the field.
"When I talk about recognition, it's about getting that respect. It was about the respect for whatever efforts I put on the field. I think sometimes it gets unnoticed but extremely satisfied with the efforts I put in because they weren't easy wickets to bat on. It wasn't easy to take singles especially when the bowlers were bowling so tight. I just had the belief in myself that once I get two sixes here or there, I can change the momentum towards our side. Luckily I got them at crucial times," Iyer told TOI.
Iyer's numbers in Champions Trophy
Iyer scored 243 runs from five innings at an average of 48.60, including two half-centuries. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament after New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra. In the final, he walked in to bat in the 20th over after Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply. After a few overs, skipper Rohit departed as well. Iyer took his time and then released pressure with two sixes. He scored 48 runs from 62 balls before losing his wicket to Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner.
Iyer relishes the no.4 role
Iyer further said that he is not quietly doing his job at no.4, a position for which Indian team management faced a conundrum for several years before zeroing in on the Mumbai batter.
"I don't come quietly (laughs). I come with my full heart and there is something else going on in my mind. I have a lot of confidence in myself to do the job. Koi bhi situation mai bhejo, karke aauga [Send me in any situation, I'll return after enjoying myself in the middle]. This mindset works for me and this confidence comes after facing rejections and failures. They are the best teachers. You also get to know during tough times, only you can lift yourself. No one else," the 30-year-old said.
Iyer will now be seen in action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will be leading Punjab Kings (PBKS). He will work closely with legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting. PBKS' first clash of the season is against Gujarat Titans (GT).