Zaheer Khan, former India pacer, heaped reward on Shreyas Iyer for his assured and match-changing efficiency in India’s ODI collection opener in opposition to England in Nagpur. His aggressive knock was essential in main India to victory and laying a robust basis for the staff’s preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
India confronted an early setback of their 248-run chase after shedding openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma. Within the center order, Shubman Gill’s composed 87-run innings and Shreyas Iyer’s attacking 59 off simply 36 balls revived the innings and propelled India towards a cushty win. Zaheer Khan, chatting with Cricbuzz, praised Shreyas for his self-belief, emphasizing that his daring strategy may very well be key to India’s technique within the Champions Trophy.
“That innings actually had every thing. The counterattack was distinctive to observe. At that time within the recreation, with the ball nonetheless exhausting and having already misplaced two wickets, for somebody to stroll in with such confidence and take the sport to the opposition was really spectacular. It set the proper tone for the chase. We noticed later how the pitch began to show and have become difficult as the sport progressed. By then, all of the groundwork had been laid. The partnership between Shubman and Shreyas was essential, and Shreyas performed a key position in making that partnership work,” Zaheer Khan mentioned.
Shreyas, who misplaced his BCCI central contract for specializing in private health over home cricket, has been on a path of redemption. With doubts surrounding his place in India’s ODI setup, his impactful innings in opposition to England served as a well timed reminder of his potential. His constant performances earned him a well-deserved spot in India’s 15-member Champions Trophy squad.
Batting with a fearless strike price of 163.89, Shreyas hit 9 boundaries and two sixes, taking up England’s bowling assault with confidence. His attacking model not solely helped India recuperate from the early collapse but additionally ensured a profitable chase, with 4 wickets to spare.
India’s victory in Nagpur marked a robust begin to the collection, boosting their preparations for the Champions Trophy. With the second ODI scheduled for February 9 in Cuttack, India will look to take care of their momentum and strengthen their squad for the upcoming ICC occasion.
