Sandy Verma
Tezzbuzz|08-10-2025
With Shreyas Iyer, one of the most inspiring comeback stories in recent Indian cricket is written. Iyer channeled his disappointment into determination after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) left him out of its Central Contract list last year, and he came back stronger and better in 2025. That effort was immensely rewarding as Iyer gained recognition for his important contribution to India’s ICC Champions Trophy victory, being the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with 243 runs. scored from five innings at an average of 48.60, comprising two fifties and an unbeaten 79.
At the CEAT Cricket Ratings Awards in Mumbai, where he received a memento for his contributions, Iyer reflected on his journey from being left out to lifting back-to-back ICC trophies with India. Calling it a “rollercoaster ride,” he admitted that at one point things looked “in shambles and helter-skelter.” But instead of giving up, he turned to discipline and structure. “I told myself to set a routine, discipline myself and play domestic cricket,” he said.
Iyer’s domestic season turned out to be completely prolific as he led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, contributed to their Ranji Trophy win and subsequently took KKR to IPL glory in 2024. as captain. These performances restored his confidence just before the Champions Trophy. In addition, he impressed all with his raw power against England in the ODI series. He piled up 181 runs in three matches, averaging more than 60 and striking at 123.
Discussing his ODI mindset, Iyer said he thrives under pressure and enjoys playing according to the situation. “During the CT, I was in a position where I had to play ball by ball early on and then take charge later. We felt 250–300 was a winning total in Dubai, and my job was to get us there,” he recalled.
Addressing past criticism about his weakness against short-pitched bowling, Iyer revealed how he worked tirelessly to turn that flaw into a strength. “People said I couldn’t play the pull shot. I took it personally and practiced until I could take on bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood confidently,” he said.
Iyer, with 424 runs at 53.00 in eight ODIs this year, will now turn up for India’s three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19.