'Lost central contract, dropped and surgery' - Aakash Chopra lauds Shreyas Iyer for staging India comeback

Shreyas Iyer scored a crucial half-century under pressure against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday, March 2, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India lost their top three batters inside the first powerplay but Iyer held the innings together, helping the Men in Blue reach a fighting total of 249/9 on a spin-friendly track.

India played a three-match ODI series at home against England ahead of the Champions Trophy. Shreyas wasn't supposed to play the first ODI but a last-minute injury to Virat Kohli meant that he had an opportunity to remind the team management about his mettle. He grabbed his opportunity with both hands, scoring two half-centuries in three games and finishing as the second-highest run-getter in the series.

In the Champions Trophy, after being dismissed cheaply in India's first game against Bangladesh, Shreyas has notched up back-to-back half-centuries - against Pakistan and New Zealand.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised the Mumbai batter for keeping his focus intact, even after he lost his central contract and got dropped from the national team.

“He lost his central contract and was then removed from the team. Iyer also went for surgery, and everything was against him. But credit goes to him for staying focused and returning to Team India. He is now scoring runs consistently,” Chopra was quoted as saying by CricToday.

It’s good to see that his hunger is back: Ravi Shastri

Meanwhile, ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri was impressed by Shreyas's hunger for runs and consistency with the bat.

“It’s good to see that his hunger is back. He is playing good innings after innings since he has cemented his place at No.4,” Shastri said.

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Shreyas' 79 off 98 balls bailed India out of a hole on a difficult track for batting. New Zealand were bowled out for 205 in 45.3 overs as the unbeaten Indian team set up a semi-final date with Australia on Tuesday, March 4.