Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif praised Shreyas Iyer for his vital 79 against New Zealand in the last Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday.
Kaif believes the moment has arrived to recognise Iyer as a significant talent on the global stage. The veteran recalled Iyer’s century against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semi-final, a high-scoring game that India won by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium.
“It’s Shreyas Iyer again in the ICC event versus New Zealand. His great run continues; it’s time the public stopped focussing on his flaws and started talking about his talents,” Kaif wrote on X.
Iyer, who struck 56 against Pakistan in the previous match, extended his impressive run in the tournament with a second half-century to help India reach a decent total of 249/9 in 50 overs despite losing Shubman Gill, skipper Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli in the first seven overs.
Iyer and Axar Patel forged a crucial 98-run partnership to save the team from a hazardous position. Axar left after reaching 42, while Iyer made 79 off 98 balls, including two sixes and four fours.
In the end, Hardik Pandya’s important contribution of 45 helped them reach a competitive total in the contest.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry took five wickets and finished with 5-42 in eight overs.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan commended Iyer, Axar, and Pandya’s batting efforts in leading the team to a respectable score in the match.
“Tough start for Team India, but the way @ShreyasIyer15 and @akshar2026 pulled the game together, aided by @hardikpandya7’s assistance, to score 249 was incredible. It’s a chaseable yet small score, so hopefully the bowlers stand up and we get it done. “Best wishes for the second innings, boys!” Dhawan posted on X.
Both New Zealand and India have already advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan, and the victor of the match will earn the top spot in Group A.
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