Shreyas Iyer touted to be the "game-changer" in India vs New Zealand final

Working stealthily as a reliable prospect in the middle order, Shreyas Iyer is one of the key elements behind India's success at the ICC Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue now stand just one match away from ultimate glory at the marquee event. However, that one match pits them against the high-flying Kiwis, who look equally formidable. Thankfully, Shreyas Iyer, a known nemesis of New Zealand, is in sublime form as he gears up to face the White Ferns in yet another ICC fixture. Not too far behind Virat Kohli on the tournament's highest-scorer list, Iyer has been touted as the defining factor for the Men in Blue in the India vs New Zealand final by Ravi Ashwin.

Ravi Ashwin lauds Shreyas Iyer, credits the batter for aiding the success of Virat Kohli at the ICC Champions Trophy

Former Indian spinner and keen cricket analyst Ravi Ashwin hailed Shreyas Iyer for his exploits in the ICC Champions Trophy. Ahead of the tournament, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma emerged as the brightest prospects for India with their respective centuries in the India vs England ODI series. However, the opening duo has not been as effective as anticipated, with their partnerships crossing the 50-run mark just once across four matches. In conditions where India's openers have struggled to make an impact, Virat Kohli's role has become even more significant, made even more successful by the support from Shreyas Iyer at No. 4.

With a century against Pakistan in the 265-run chase, Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with his scintillating comeback. Moreover, the India vs Australia semi-final bore witness to Kohli's unmatched skills in a strenuous chase. His gritty 84-run knock on the tricky Dubai pitch paved India's path to a four-wicket victory over Australia. However, Ravi Ashwin has now highlighted the role of Shreyas Iyer in aiding Kohli's charge in the tournament. Noting Iyer's impact against New Zealand previously, Ashwin placed Iyer in the spot of the "game-changer" for the India vs New Zealand final.

“For me, the game-changer will be Shreyas Iyer. It is because of his recent form,” Ashwin said. “The way he plays, it helps Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli is able to play the way he is playing because Shreyas Iyer is playing this way against spin," he added.

In the clash against Pakistan, Iyer played a pivotal role, building a crucial 114-run partnership for the third wicket alongside Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 100. When India found themselves struggling at 30 for 3 against New Zealand, Iyer stepped up once again, stabilizing the innings with a game-changing 98-run stand alongside Axar Patel, contributing a vital 79 runs. His resilience was on display once more in the semifinal against Australia, where India faced early trouble at 42 for 2. This time, Iyer combined with Kohli to stitch together a steadying 91-run partnership, ensuring India regained control of the innings. Needless to say, the Kohli-Iyer partnership is the biggest threat to opponents at the ICC Champions Trophy.

“So, the captains are in a catch-22 situation. There will be a partnership between Shreyas and Virat. When there is a partnership between Virat and Shreyas, the captains can’t enforce a spin choke. Shreyas is removing all the pressure from Virat. So, these two in the middle overs have forged a formidable pair. And for Virat’s success, Shreyas Iyer has played a part in it. And for Shreyas’s success, Virat has a part in it. Because this is what people call playing in partnerships," Ashwin explained.