Shreyas Iyer has amassed 252 runs in 5 innings at an impressive average of 50.4 and a strike rate of 109.1, including three half-centuries in 2025. How has Iyer made the No. 4 spot in ODIs his own?
For years, India’s No. 4 position in ODIs was a puzzle that no one seemed to solve. It was a spot that demanded a perfect blend of composure and aggression—someone who could absorb pressure, stabilise the innings, and then shift gears when needed. Shreyas Iyer, with his fearless batting, has not only made the position his own but has also transformed it into a launchpad for the team’s success.
From his standout performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup to his recent exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Ranji Trophy, Iyer has been in a league of his own. His ability to dictate terms against both spin and pace, coupled with his improved game against the short ball, has made him India’s go-to batter in the middle order. And if his recent dominance against England is any indication, he is only getting better.
India’s middle-order mainstay in ODI World Cup 2023
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Iyer proved his mettle as one of India's most dependable batters. He finished as India’s third-highest run-scorer, amassing 530 runs in 11 matches at an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24. His performances included two centuries and three fifties, with his best knock being a sublime 128 against the Netherlands and a crucial 105 against New Zealand in the semi-final.
What set Iyer apart in the tournament was his ability to shift gears seamlessly. Whether it was countering the likes of Mitchell Santner and Adil Rashid or taking on express pacers like Lockie Ferguson, he showcased his range of strokes with elegance. More importantly, he brought a sense of calm to the dressing room, ensuring that the team never felt out of control, even in tricky situations. Read More: CT 2025, PAK vs IND, Group A: Kohli's 51st hundred and Iyer's 56 guide India home
A dominant domestic season: Vijay Hazare, SMAT & Ranji Trophy
After the World Cup, Iyer carried his form into the domestic circuit, proving that his hunger for runs wasn’t limited to international cricket. Notably, he was dropped from the central contract by BCCI after missing the Ranji Trophy game for Mumbai last year.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), he played pivotal knocks, further refining his aggressive yet composed approach. He amassed 325 in 5 VHT games at an average of 325 and a staggering strike rate of 131.57 that included a century. Iyer was the fourth leading run getter in the SMAT 2024-25 season with 345 runs in 8 innings at a strike rate of 188.52, averaging 49.28.
His stint in the Ranji Trophy also saw him churn out crucial innings, reinforcing his adaptability across formats. This rich vein of form set the perfect stage for his return to ODIs, and the recently concluded England series became a testament to his evolved batting mindset.
England series: Fearless Iyer slaps England bowlers at will
Against England, Shreyas Iyer took his game to another level, displaying a fearless brand of cricket that left the opposition bowlers with no answers. Iyer revealed that he wasn't going to play the first ODI against England in the build up to the ongoing Champions Trophy. But, he got a chance after Virat Kohli sustained an injury just a day before the game. Iyer walked in when India were shaken twice early on to slip to 19 for two chasing 249, but he produced a stunning counter-attack, hitting two sixes and nine fours to make 59 off 36 balls, which took the wind out of England's sails.
He handled pacers like Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood beautifully. Earlier, he used to create room to play over third-man, but now he keeps himself slightly more side on and comes under the ball, finding himself in the best position to hook or pull the ball. However, he is not hitting everything short that comes his way, he is choosing the right deliveries to punish and that has become his strength.
His biggest improvement was his handling of short-pitched bowling—an area where he had been targeted in the past. Instead of getting trapped on the back foot, he took on the challenge head-on, pulling and hooking with authority.
His dominance over spin was just as brutal. Whether it was Adil Rashid or Liam Livingstone, he danced down the track and dispatched them disdainfully. His strike rate in the series hovered around 120, a clear indicator of how comfortable he felt at the crease. Read More: IND vs ENG, 3rd ODI, 2024-25: Gill's 112 and Iyer's 78 take India over the line
The mindset shift: How Iyer’s approach benefits Team India
Beyond his technical improvements, what truly makes Iyer invaluable to India is his mindset. He plays with intent, knowing exactly when to attack and when to consolidate. This allows the batters around him to settle in, giving them the breathing space to build their innings.
A perfect example of this was his knock against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup. At one point, he was struggling at 17 off 34 balls, but instead of panicking, he backed himself and shifted gears effortlessly. In the next 15 deliveries, he raced to a fifty, taking calculated risks and ensuring that the momentum never shifted away from India.
This ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when needed makes him a priceless asset. It provides comfort to the dressing room, knowing that someone at No. 4 is capable of turning the game around single-handedly.
The road ahead: Crucial piece in India’s ODI setup
With the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, Shreyas Iyer’s role becomes even more critical for India. If he continues his aggressive-yet-mature approach, he could redefine the No. 4 position for years to come.
From being just another middle-order batter to becoming India’s launchpad at No. 4, Iyer has scripted a remarkable transformation. And if his current form is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of an era where he dominates world cricket with his fearless approach. Read More: Top 5 batters to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025
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