Shreyas Iyer’s Performance in Champions Trophy 2025 Draws Mixed Reactions from Experts

India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025 was marked by several standout performances, with Shreyas Iyer emerging as the team's top run-scorer. His contributions played a crucial role in India's victorious campaign, but his dismissal in the final drew a mixed response from cricketing legends.

Iyer’s Impact in Champions Trophy 2025

Shreyas Iyer accumulated 243 runs in five matches, including vital half-centuries against Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage. His consistency on the slow surfaces of Dubai was instrumental in India’s success. In the final, Iyer played a key knock of 48 runs, helping India navigate a challenging pitch before getting dismissed at a critical juncture.

Dilip Vengsarkar’s Blunt Verdict

Former Indian captain and 1983 World Cup winner Dilip Vengsarkar, who also served as a BCCI chief selector, acknowledged Iyer’s overall contribution but was disappointed by his untimely exit in the final.

“Iyer performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, but I am not happy with the way he got out in the final. He should have stayed till the end and finished the game. That’s what separates good players from great ones,” Vengsarkar stated.

He also expressed concerns over India’s batting order, particularly Axar Patel being promoted ahead of KL Rahul.

“KL played some important innings at No. 6, but I still don’t understand why Axar Patel batted ahead of him at No. 5. Perhaps the team management wanted a left-hand-right-hand combination,” he added.

Selection Panel’s Strategy Lauded

Despite his critique of certain tactical decisions, Vengsarkar credited the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee for making bold choices that ultimately paid off.

“The selectors deserve credit for sticking with Rohit Sharma as captain after the Australia series. Their decision to include five spinners in the squad also proved to be a masterstroke, given the conditions in Dubai,” he remarked.

Iyer Reflects on His Performance

Shreyas Iyer himself acknowledged that while he was proud of being India’s top scorer, he wished he had stayed till the end in the final.

“When you see yourself as the highest run-getter for the team, there is no better feeling. But I feel I should have finished the game. Every player wants to be the one standing at the end, but I am extremely happy with how the team performed,” Iyer said.

Iyer’s Place in the ‘Team of the Tournament’

Following his stellar run, Iyer was named in the Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament, alongside Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakaravarthy. The middle-order batter also reflected on his personal achievements over the past year.

“Winning my first ICC trophy is an incredible feeling. This is my fifth title in a year, and I feel truly blessed,” he concluded.

India’s Road Ahead

With the Champions Trophy win marking a successful campaign for India, the team now sets its sights on upcoming international assignments. The performances of key players like Iyer, Kohli, and Rahul will continue to be under scrutiny as India builds towards its next big challenge on the world stage.