‘Ready to bat anywhere’ - India batter throws hat in the ring for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy
Having played a pivotal anchor role during India’s campaign at the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Shreyas Iyer is keen to take the responsibility in the middle order for the upcoming tournament.
Iyer, who scored 530 runs from 11 outings at the previous Cricket World Cup at home, has declared that he can bat anywhere in the Indian lineup come the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
A mainstay in the Indian ODI setup, Iyer has batted in different positions in the middle-order and has been among the consistent performers for the team since his debut in December 2017.
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Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Iyer said, “I'm flexible and ready to bat anywhere in the batting order.
“KL (Rahul) and I, we played that important role in the middle during the World Cup. We had a great season together. It was just the last bit (the final against Australia) that we couldn't execute the way we wanted to.
“It will be a proud moment for me if I were to be picked in the Champions Trophy (squad) to represent the country.”
Boasting an average of 47.5, Iyer has scored 2421 runs in 62 ODIs, comprising five centuries and 18 fifties.
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At the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, the flamboyant right-handed batter scored consecutive tons - including in the semifinal - as India marched to the final unbeaten. The 30-year-old finished only behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the runs tally for the hosts.
Iyer last played international cricket back in August during India’s tour of Sri Lanka - a three-ODI series.
The Champions Trophy begins from February 19. India are slotted alongside New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan in Group A.
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India schedule:
February 20: India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
February 23: India vs Pakistan, Dubai
March 2: India vs New Zealand, Dubai