India’s dominant run in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy ended in glory as they lifted the coveted title in Dubai. Captain Rohit Sharma had special words for a player who, according to him, played a crucial yet understated role in the team’s success—Shreyas Iyer. Labeling him as the ‘silent hero,’ Rohit credited Iyer’s ability to build crucial alliances with teammates, especially in high-pressure situations.
Shreyas Iyer’s Vital Role in India’s Middle Order
Shreyas Iyer emerged as India’s top run-scorer in the tournament, accumulating 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60. His role at No. 4 proved to be a stabilizing factor for India, especially in matches where early wickets had fallen.
The semifinal clash against Australia was a defining moment. India found themselves in a tricky position, but Iyer, along with Virat Kohli, stitched together a partnership that turned the game in their favor. Similar scenarios played out against Pakistan and New Zealand, where Iyer’s presence helped India avoid a collapse.
“One of the biggest strengths of a great team is having players who can anchor innings under pressure. Shreyas did just that,” said Rohit. “His partnerships, whether with Virat, Axar, or others, ensured we always had a strong platform.”
Adaptability on Dubai’s Testing Pitches
Conditions in Dubai were far from easy. The slow surfaces meant that batters had to adjust quickly, and India’s success was built around their ability to adapt to changing scenarios.
Rohit Sharma pointed out how partnerships were key to their victories. “In the first game against Bangladesh, we were chasing 230, and we knew the wicket was slow. Partnerships were necessary, and our players stepped up,” he explained.
India’s batting approach relied heavily on game awareness. Rather than attacking blindly, batters focused on rotating the strike and cashing in on loose deliveries. This tactical discipline ensured that India never faced a total beyond their control.
Bowlers Shine Despite the Skepticism
A major talking point throughout the tournament was the role of India’s bowlers. While critics suggested that Dubai’s pitches favored spinners, Rohit dismissed the notion that India had an unfair advantage.
“People assumed spinners would run the show, but the reality was different. The ball wasn’t turning much,” he said. “What mattered was discipline—hitting the right lengths, varying pace, and keeping teams under 250.”
Key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh executed their plans perfectly. The pacers adapted well to the conditions, using variations rather than raw pace to deceive batters. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel played crucial supporting roles, ensuring that India always had control over their opponents’ scoring rate.
Rohit Sharma’s Leadership and Team Dynamics
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India’s approach in the tournament was calculated and disciplined. The captain credited the players for making his job easier by taking responsibility for their roles.
“When you have a team that understands conditions well and adapts without needing instructions every over, it reduces my workload,” he said with a smile. “These guys know their job.”
The camaraderie within the team was evident throughout the tournament. Rohit’s relaxed yet strategic leadership allowed players to thrive, and the results spoke for themselves.
What’s Next for Team India?
With the Champions Trophy secured, the focus now shifts to the future. India’s next big target will be the 2027 ICC World Cup, and while it’s still some time away, Rohit hinted that early preparations were already on his mind.
“We don’t want to draw any long-term conclusions right now, but this victory has shown the kind of approach we need in big tournaments,” he said.
For now, India can relish their Champions Trophy success—a campaign marked by resilience, adaptability, and standout individual performances, with Shreyas Iyer’s contributions standing tall among them.
