In a highly anticipated showdown, India and Australia are set to face each other in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. The cricketing world is buzzing with excitement as both teams showcase their performances, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
India secured their spot in the final by defeating New Zealand in a nail-biting semi-final clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The standout performer for India was none other than Virat Kohli, who etched his name in the record books by scoring his 50th ODI hundred, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Kohli’s remarkable consistency has made him the top run-scorer in the tournament, a testament to his skill and determination. His leadership and experience in high-pressure situations make him a formidable force, instilling confidence in the Indian team.
While Kohli’s century stole the spotlight, the heroics of Shreyas Iyer should not be overlooked. Iyer’s stellar performance, including a breathtaking 105 runs in just 70 balls in the semi-final, played a pivotal role in India’s success. His ability to maintain a high strike rate over the last 3-4 games has made him a standout player in the World Cup.
Despite being in his debut World Cup, Shreyas Iyer’s impact on crucial matches has not gone unnoticed. Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir praised Iyer for his exceptional batting, labeling him the “gamechanger” in the semi-final against New Zealand. Gambhir emphasized that Iyer’s contributions, often overshadowed by more seasoned players, were instrumental in India’s success.
Gambhir expressed his disappointment at the lack of recognition for Shreyas Iyer, highlighting the young player’s significant role in shaping the outcome of matches. He pointed out that Iyer’s composure under pressure, as seen in the semi-final, made the difference between a target of 350 and the final score of 390. Gambhir underscored the importance of acknowledging Iyer’s impact, especially considering it’s his maiden World Cup appearance.
Gautam Gambhir heaps praise on Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer’s batting prowess was not limited to the semi-final against New Zealand. His century against the Netherlands and a stellar performance against Sri Lanka showcased his consistency and ability to adapt to different match situations. Despite lacking the experience of veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in World Cups, Iyer has proven himself as a valuable asset to the Indian team.
“I said it on-air, and I want to repeat it. He was the gamechanger against New Zealand. I guess he doesn’t have many followers on social media, that’s why he didn’t get as much praise. He’s playing his first World Cup. You expect Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to perform in big games because they have experience. Kohli is playing his fourth World Cup, Rohit has played 3. Shreyas is playing his first,” Gambhir said on Star Sports ahead of the second semi-final.
“It is unfortunate that he isn’t getting as much appreciation as others. Shreyas Iyer, for me, has produced unbelievable batting. He didn’t let the pressure get to Virat Kohli. The difference between 350 and 390 was Shreyas Iyer. Imagine how much pressure India would have been in, if India had set a target of 350,” he added.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the epic clash between India and Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, the spotlight on Shreyas Iyer’s contributions adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. India’s journey to the final has been marked by stellar performances from key players, with Iyer emerging as a standout performer.
