CT 2025: Rohit & Iyer Anchor India’s Title Charge

As the Champions Trophy unfolds in Dubai, pitches in the UAE emirate are progressively slowing down with each match. However, India’s batting unit has adapted remarkably well to the challenging conditions.

While much attention is on the spinners, it is captain and star batsman Rohit Sharma and young batter Shreyas Iyer, who have emerged as pivotal figures in Team India’s approach to risk management with the bat.

The Rohit Factor

Relying on his aggressive approach from the 2023 World Cup, skipper Rohit Sharma has provided India with quick starts, ensuring the team capitalizes on the new ball and fresh pitch conditions. In India’s two successful run chases so far, they raced to 69 and 64 runs in the powerplay overs, giving the middle-order a valuable cushion to build on.

While Rohit’s numbers may not match his World Cup heroics, his aggressive intent has dictated India’s pace upfront. Even when he fell early against New Zealand, Kohli adapted, attacking in the powerplay knowing middle-overs rotation was tough on these slow pitches.

Shreyas Iyer: Middle-Overs Enforcer

Coming in to bat at the No. 4 position, Shreyas Iyer has been India’s ‘problem solver’, playing a key role in keeping the innings steady during the crucial middle phase of an innings. In the match against Pakistan, his 67-ball 56 ensured a tricky chase was completed with ease.

When India faced the Kiwis, he initially struggled, taking 31 balls for his first boundary, but once he settled, he shifted gears seamlessly, attacking spinners Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra while carefully tackling Mitchell Santner’s slower deliveries.

Iyer’s ability to absorb pressure while maintaining an 82.41 strike rate has freed up Rahul, Pandya, and Axar to play their natural game.

Being Flexible

With eight run-scoring batsmen, Team India has adjusted its approach by slotting Rahul at No 6 and using Jadeja as a floater. This has ensured that they are well-equipped to counter oppositions taking the pace off the ball in death overs.

The Australian ‘Threat’

Australia’s pre-World Cup final strategy revolved around neutralizing Iyer, and his wicket was a prized breakthrough. With a potential rematch on the cards in the Champions Trophy final, Shreyas Iyer remains a crucial wicket for opponents targeting India’s middle order.

As India prepares for the Champions Trophy title clash, the combination of Rohit’s aggression and Iyer’s composure will be central to their success.

With the grand finale approaching, will Rohit and Iyer power India to Champions Trophy glory?