Champions Trophy: Shreyas Iyer expresses readiness for any batting position
What's the story
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has said that he is ready to bat at any position in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts on February 19. The batter is expected to be an integral part of Team India's middle order. The same plan worked wonders for him during the ODI World Cup 2023, where he amassed a staggering 530 runs across 11 innings.
Career highlights
Iyer's World Cup performance and future aspirations
Iyer's World Cup was defined by an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24, with two centuries and three half-centuries. He recently looked back at his important partnership with KL Rahul during the tournament. "KL and I, we played that important role in the middle during the World Cup," Iyer told ESPNCricinfo, adding he was proud of possibly being picked for the Champions Trophy squad.
Career trajectory
Iyer's post-World Cup career and IPL success
After his World Cup success, Iyer played only four ODIs and scored 90 runs at an average of 22.5. Although he lost his Test spot during the England series at home in February 2024, he led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title later that year. He was then bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping ₹26.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, becoming the second most expensive player in the tournament's history.
ODI achievements
Iyer's ODI record and future plans
Iyer's overall ODI record includes 2,421 runs in 62 matches and 57 innings at an average of 47.47, including five centuries and 18 half-centuries. He has mostly batted at number four in his career, scoring 1,397 runs in 33 innings at an average of 51.74 and a strike rate of 101.74. Ahead of the upcoming IPL season, Iyer had said he wanted to bat as an anchor at number three for Punjab Kings.