Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik, now a popular commentator and analyst, has identified Shreyas Iyer as India’s star performer in the Champions Trophy 2025. Iyer, who was one of the pillars of the middle order, turned out to be India’s top run-scorer in the tournament, scoring 243 runs with two crucial half-centuries. His consistency under pressure was the key to India’s winning campaign, and he helped them win their first ICC title after 2023.
In Cricbuzz’s “HeyCB with DK” program, while being queried regarding India’s standout performer, Dinesh Karthik had no hesitation in naming Iyer. “Shreyas Iyer. Most consistent, under pressure, got runs every game,” said Karthik, recognizing the batter’s role player contributions.
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Iyer played at No. 4 in the tournament and displayed his aptitude for navigating high-pressure environments. In India’s first Group A match versus Bangladesh, he had a quiet outing with 15 runs. But he came back with a vengeance in the highly-touted encounter against Pakistan, hitting a match-winning 56 to stabilize India’s pursuit of 242.
In the match against New Zealand, he was at the forefront with a solidly built 79, supporting India to a score of 249, which turned out to be a winning score. His performances were consistent in the knockout stage too. During the semifinal against Australia, Iyer contributed a vital 45, which saw India having sufficient runs on the board.
During the final against New Zealand, he scored another solid 48, strengthening his image as a solid middle-order batter. Despite being dropped from India’s central contracts last year, Iyer has been in top form in 2025, scoring 424 runs in eight ODIs—only behind Shubman Gill (447) and Kane Williamson (425).
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With the Champions Trophy trophy now in his trophy cabinet, Iyer will shift his attention to IPL 2025, where he will lead Punjab Kings. PBKS negotiated him for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore in the mega auction, the costliest player of the season. As the skipper of the franchise based out of Mohali, Iyer will look to lead them to a much-needed playoff appearance, bringing his overseas experience into the IPL fold.
