Shreyas Iyer ready to be India’s middle-order anchor for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has expressed his readiness to continue playing in the middle order for India during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Known for his adaptability and flexibility, Iyer said he is prepared to take on any batting position to meet the team’s needs. The tournament is set to begin on February 19, with India playing their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model.

India’s campaign will kick off with a match against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on February 23 and a game against New Zealand on March 2. While the official squad is yet to be announced, Iyer is expected to be a key figure after his outstanding performances in recent tournaments.

Shreyas Iyer was a standout performer in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where he played a crucial role as a middle-order batter. He finished the tournament as the seventh-highest run-scorer, amassing 530 runs in 11 matches at an impressive average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24.

His campaign included two centuries and three fifties, with a best score of 128*. Notably, Iyer became the first middle-order batter to score over 500 runs in a single World Cup edition, surpassing New Zealand’s Scott Styris, who scored 499 runs in the 2007 World Cup.

One of Iyer’s most memorable performances came in the semifinals against New Zealand, where he smashed 105 runs off just 70 balls. His blistering knock, featuring four boundaries and eight sixes, came at a strike rate of 150, making it the fastest century ever in a World Cup knockout match. He broke the record previously held by Adam Gilchrist, who scored a 72-ball century in the 2007 World Cup final.

In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Iyer emphasized his preference to continue as a middle-order batter, a position where he has thrived. He highlighted the successful partnership he had with KL Rahul during the World Cup.

“I’m flexible and ready to bat anywhere in the batting order. KL and I played an important role in the middle during the World Cup. We had a great season together. It was just the last bit [the final] that we could not execute the way we wanted to,” Iyer said.

He further added, “It will be a proud moment for me if I were to be picked in the Champions Trophy side to represent the country.”

Iyer’s form in the last year has been remarkable, helping him cement his place in the Indian team. He scored 2,421 runs in 62 ODIs at an average of 47.47, including five centuries and 18 fifties.

Most of his success has come while batting at number four, where he has scored 1,397 runs in 33 innings at an average of 51.74 and a strike rate of 101.74. His consistency has made him one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters.

Beyond international cricket, Iyer enjoyed a highly successful domestic season in 2024, winning four trophies, including the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was the captain for two of these triumphs — the SMAT and IPL — showcasing his leadership abilities.

Iyer is set to take on a new challenge in the IPL, having secured a massive deal worth ₹26.75 crore with Punjab Kings (PBKS). He will reunite with coach Ricky Ponting, under whom he previously played during his time with Delhi Capitals.

Talking about his role in PBKS, Iyer stated that he would prefer to bat at number three as an anchor and help finish matches on a high note.

“That is how I started playing my cricket in the past when I was representing DC. Also, when we were brainstorming with Ricky, this was the position [we spoke about] for me to be in,” he explained.

He also highlighted his versatility, adding, “I feel that I’m flexible. I can bat at any position, as I did in KKR. Some people think my numbers weren’t that great, but if you see the positions I batted at and the team’s needs, it benefited the team in every possible way. I’m not someone who sticks to one spot. If my team demands I bat at a certain position, I would do that.”

Despite being left out of the BCCI’s central contracts last year due to questions over his red-ball cricket commitment, Iyer made a strong comeback in all formats. He scored 1,841 runs across 44 matches at an average of 43.83, with four centuries and seven fifties, highlighting his prowess as a consistent run-scorer.

Shreyas Iyer Appointed Captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025

Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025 which comes after a stellar 2024 season, where he showcased his leadership prowess by guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title. His domestic achievements included leading Mumbai to victories in the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, further solidifying his reputation as a proven leader. Iyer expressed his excitement about reuniting with head coach Ricky Ponting at Punjab Kings and hopes to help the franchise secure its maiden IPL title.

Punjab Kings have long been in search of a title, coming close on several occasions without lifting the trophy. The team’s management believes that Iyer’s leadership, combined with Ponting’s tactical insights, can finally turn their fortunes around.