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In the aftermath of India‘s triumphant victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former Indian captain Anil Kumble has highlighted an Indian batter as the most reliable one in India’s ODI setup. This endorsement comes following his consistent performances in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the recent Champions Trophy. India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the🎐 final to claim their third ICC Champions Trophy title.
Anil Kumble picks most reliable batter for India in ODIs
Kumble has picked star Shreyas Iyer as India’s most reliable batter in the ODI format. Kumble emphasized the importance of a solid No. 4 batter, who can stabilize the innings while adjusting his scoring rate based on the match situation. He credited Iyer for understanding his role well, effectively anchoring the innings when needed and accelerating at the right moments. According to Kumble, Iyer’s ability to read the game and execute accordingly makes him an invaluable asset to India’s middle order.
“Yes, he has been [India’s most reliable batter]. We saw that even in the ODI World Cup and in this competition as well. At No. 4, you need someone really reliable, who not just controls the innings, but then goes at a pace that is required of that situation. I think Shreyas has certainly read that,” said Kumble on ESPNcricinfo.
Outstanding numbers in Champions Trophy
Notably, Iyer was instrumental in India’s success, scoring 243 runs across five innings at an average of 48.60 and a strike rate of 79.41 during the Champions Trophy. His contributions were crucial, especially in the final against New Zealand, where he scored 48 runs off 62 balls, helping India recover from a precarious position of 122/3 by forming a vital partnership with Axar Patel.
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Crucial role in setting up India’s finishers
Kumble highlighted that Iyer’s primary role is not to finish games but to control the middle overs and set the stage for power-hitters like KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. He explained that Iyer’s responsibility is to stabilize the innings from the moment he walks in until around the 35th-40th over, ensuring a solid foundation for the finishers to capitalize on.
“His role in this team is not to finish the game, but ensure that those middle periods, whenever he walks in, till about the 35th-40th over, he sets things up for the KL Rahuls and the Hardik Pandyas to come in and finish things off,” added Kumble.
