India qualified for the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 after defeating New Zealand in the first semi-final which was played in Mumbai on November 15. It was a dominating performance by the Men in Blue in the knockout game.

India batted first after Rohit Sharma won the toss and posted 397/4. Virat Kohli starred with 117, Shubman Gill made 80* and Rohit Sharma had given a fiery start with 47 in 29 balls. But the real impetus to the Indian innings in death overs was given by Shreyas Iyer. Iyer hammered 4 fours and 8 sixes in his 70-ball 105 runs.

India's former opener Gautam Gambhir, recognized Iyer's terrific knock and stated that the batter's innings wasn't applauded as much as the other players' performances in the match. Virat Kohli’s 117 was his 50th ODI ton, going past legend Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries.

“I said it on air, and I want to repeat it. He was the game-changer 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.

“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,” Gambhir further said.

Despite initial struggles for his place due to injury, Shreyas Iyer's outstanding form in 2022 and 2023, scoring 724 and 790 runs respectively, showcases his consistency. In the World Cup, he has amassed 526 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.14, making him a crucial player for India in the final.

Tags :Gautam GambhirShreyas IyerICC World Cup 2023India Vs Australia