Fans Hail Shreyas Iyer’s Resilient Knock Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025

India did not have an ideal start in their Champions Trophy 2025 match against New Zealand. The team lost its top three batsmen—Rohit Sharma (15), Shubman Gill (2), and Virat Kohli (11)—within the first 30 runs. This early collapse put India in a precarious position, demanding a strong comeback from the middle order.

In the 6th over of the match, Shreyas Iyer stepped up to the crease after Indian captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed by New Zealand. Taking his time, Iyer adopted a patient approach against the spirited spells from New Zealand’s pacers and Mitchell Santner, who were in fine form during the early overs.

India’s Struggles in the Early Overs

The top-order struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. The Kiwi bowlers exploited the tricky Dubai pitch conditions perfectly, dismissing India’s key batsmen cheaply. With just 30 runs on the board and three wickets down, India needed a solid rebuilding effort to stay competitive.

Amidst the crisis, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel took charge of the innings. Understanding the need to stabilize, the duo played cautiously, ensuring no further wickets fell. Their partnership of 98 runs in 136 balls was crucial in preventing India from a total collapse.

Shreyas Iyer Resilient knock

Shreyas Iyer completed his half-century in 75 balls, making it the slowest ODI fifty of his career. His previous slowest half-century was against West Indies in Ahmedabad in 2022, achieved in 74 balls. Given the challenging conditions and the situation India was in, Iyer’s patient approach was necessary.

Iyer played a determined innings of 79 runs in 98 balls, hitting 2 sixes and 4 fours. His innings provided India with much-needed stability. However, his attempt at an aggressive shot led to his dismissal by Will O’Rourke at a score of 172/5.

Fan Reactions and Praise for Iyer

Fans hailed Iyer’s resilient knock, praising his temperament and ability to handle pressure. Many believed his performance didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, especially given the difficult playing conditions.

It’s Shreyas Iyer once again in icc event against NZ. His phenomenal run continues, high time the world starts talking about his strengths and not keep pointing to his weakness.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 2, 2025

Fascinated by Shreyas Iyer’s footwork against spin. Not just up and down the crease but moving sideways too and not allowing the spinners to settle.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 2, 2025

Well played Shreyas Iyer, he is truly an underrated player and never gets the hype he deserves. #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/0BhH0zbmrJ

— Sanjana Ganesan 🇮🇳 (@iSanjanaGanesan) March 2, 2025

Shreyas Iyer doesn’t get the hype because doesn’t score daddy hundreds. But he is the only one getting constant fifties in middle order. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/cpkTkBIdwy

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 2, 2025

Shreyas Iyer deserves way more credit than he gets.. pic.twitter.com/fsP7obFB9v

— N I T I N (@theNitinWalke) March 2, 2025

1. Got dropped from the central contract.
2. Battled through surgery and recovery
3. Got a chance to play only because Virat was injured.
4. Improved with every match, proving his worth.

That’s Shreyas Iyer for you 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/Ma5b4Z3aSI

— isHaHaHa (@hajarkagalwa) March 2, 2025

Not the first time Don Iyer has saved India after a top order collapse on a tricky surface. pic.twitter.com/EiBIvw43de

— Raj (@hxns1anda) March 2, 2025

If u play good cricket then u don’t need PR.

– But this is not the case with Shreyas Iyer. pic.twitter.com/I0lcLTkPPB

— Pick-up Shot (@96ShreyasIyer) March 2, 2025

Axar Patel’s Contribution

Axar Patel played a crucial supporting role, assisting Iyer in rebuilding the innings. His patience and well-placed shots helped India recover from the early collapse, proving his value as a reliable all-rounder. KL Rahul contributed a quick 44-run partnership with Iyer for the fifth wicket. However, India’s overall batting performance showed that their middle order had to work harder on maintaining a strong foundation in challenging conditions.

The Kiwi bowlers capitalized on the conditions brilliantly. Will O’Rourke, in particular, played a key role by dismissing Iyer at a critical moment. New Zealand’s bowling unit ensured India never gained full control over the game.

BCCI Central Contract Controversy

Earlier in the 2023-24 season, Iyer lost his BCCI central contract due to his absence from domestic matches. Instead, he reportedly attended KKR’s pre-season camp. However, with consistent performances, Iyer is making a strong case for a return to the central contract list. Since being dropped from the contract list, Iyer has played 9 ODIs, including series against Sri Lanka and England. His current form suggests he could soon regain his place in the BCCI’s plans for the 2024-25 season.