As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final, veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has pointed to Shreyas Iyer as the player who could make the biggest impact in the title clash. Ashwin, known for his sharp cricketing insights, stated, “For me, the game changer will be Shreyas Iyer in the final match in this Champions Trophy 2025.” His statement highlights Iyer’s crucial role in India’s middle order and his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches.
Throughout the tournament, Iyer has proven to be a dependable force in India’s batting lineup. Playing at the critical No. 4 position, he has scored 195 runs in four innings at an average of 48.75, with two half-centuries to his name. His ability to anchor the innings and play spin well has given India much-needed stability in tricky situations. Ashwin’s backing of Iyer is a testament to the batsman’s consistency and temperament, both of which will be crucial in the final against a strong New Zealand side.
Ashwin also pointed out that Iyer’s ability to handle spin bowling effectively could be a key factor in the final. New Zealand’s lead spinner, Mitchell Santner, has been one of the standout performers in the tournament, and his battle with Iyer could be a defining moment in the game. Statistically, Santner has bowled 93 deliveries to Iyer in ODIs but has never managed to dismiss him, while Iyer has scored 78 runs off these deliveries. This suggests that Iyer has the skills and patience to negate New Zealand’s spin threat, making him an essential part of India’s strategy.
Another area where Ashwin sees Iyer making a difference is his ability to counter short-pitched deliveries. In the past, short balls were considered his weakness, but in recent times, Iyer has worked hard to overcome this flaw. His improved back-foot play and controlled aggression against fast bowlers have made him a more complete batsman. With New Zealand boasting a formidable pace attack led by Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, Iyer’s role in stabilizing the middle order will be crucial in ensuring India does not lose momentum in the final.
Beyond his batting, Iyer’s presence in the dressing room and his leadership qualities also contribute significantly to the team. Ashwin, who has observed Iyer closely, believes that his calm demeanor and positive approach have helped India maintain a winning mentality throughout the tournament. In high-pressure games like a final, having a composed and confident player like Iyer at the crease can make a massive difference.
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