Explained: Why Shreyas Iyer Will Hold The Key For India To Win Champions Trophy

Anurag Dasgupta

Why Iyer will hold the key for India [Source: AP Photo]Why Iyer will hold the key for India [Source: AP Photo]

India will take on New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy on Sunday and the stage is set for a riveting battle as two strong teams will battle against each other to determine the winner at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India are undefeated in the tournament but the Kiwis are also confident heading into the finale.

The Rohit Sharma led side have had several match-winners in the Champions Trophy and one of the surprise package was Shreyas Iyer. The India's number 4 was out of contract prior to the campaign, but has came back roaring in some style. Here are some of the key reasons why he will hold the key for India in the grand finale.

1) Man in form for India in Champions Trophy

Iyer stats in Champions Trophy

Criterion
Data
Matches4
Runs195
Average48.75
50s/100s2/0

Shreyas Iyer started with a low score Vs Bangladesh but the batter came to life against Pakistan as he scored a well-compiled fifty. His best innings was against the Kiwis when Iyer resurrected the Indian innings after an early collapse and the number 4 batter continued the good work in the semis and alongside Virat Kohli, played a blinder of a knock.

In 4 matches, he has racked up 195 runs, at an average of 48.75, showcasing his rich vein of form at the moment.

2) An impeccable game Vs spin

Iyer stats Vs spin in CT

Criterion
Data
Matches4
Runs126
Balls175
Average63.00

Iyer is perhaps the best player of spin in the Indian batting lineup and with the pitch in the finale likely to assist the spinners, his role becomes a lot crucial.

He was impeccable against Abrar Ahmed in the Pakistan clash and then dealth with Mitch Santner and Adam Zampa rather easily in the next couple of matches. Out of his 195 runs, Iyer has scored 126 runs with spin, and though the strike-rate is just 72, he has often put the pressure on the bowlers with his ability to rotate strike.

3) Confidence at an all-time high

Stats truly doesn't justify the way Iyer has batted in the competition so far. He has looked calm and composed and after Virat Kohli, Iyer is probably India's most reliable batter.

With the flow of runs and the trust shown by the team management, his confidence is at an all-time high and it reflects in the way Iyer has batted vs oppositions.