'He Didn’t Get A Single Man Of The Match': Mohammad Kaif Calls Out Injustice To Shreyas Iyer Following Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Kaif has lavished praise upon Team India star Shreyas Iyer after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy 2025. He expressed that Iyer's form surprised him, given that he is not a part of Team India's Test or T20I set-up. Kaif was also upset over Team India's middle-order batter not receiving a lot of recognition and that he did not receive a single Player of the Match recognition for his spectacular display in the UAE.

Mohammad Kaif Puzzled Over The Lack Of Recognition For Shreyas Iyer 

Shreyas Iyer has been one of Team India's strongest pillars in the middle order throughout the Champions Trophy 2025. In the five matches, he played, Iyer has put up good numbers in the scoreboard for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side. The middle-order batter's heroics made him the second-highest run-getter of the marquee ICC tournament. Iyer delivered to the highest potential and proved himself as a mainstay in the Indian Cricket Team. However, the lack of recognition for Shreyas Iyer in the games has left former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif perplexed.

“I was surprised by his form. He neither plays Tests, nor is he in the T20I squad. He plays only ODIs for India. So you are not there in the team continuously. You have to straightaway play for India after playing in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, and in a zone where you have to attack, hit boundaries, and play your natural game.

“I admire this batter because many players came and went at the No. 4 position. We weren’t getting players for the No. 4 position. This guy came and made his place, and plays impactful knocks. He is this tournament’s second-highest run-getter, but he didn’t get a single Man of the Match,” Mohammad Kaif said while speaking to Star Sports

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Joins Sister's Wedding Festivities Right After Team India's Champions Trophy Win, Video Goes Viral | WATCH

Shreyas Iyer Poised to Be a Major Attraction in IPL 2025

After the Kolkata Knight Riders released Shreyas Iyer during the retention period, the batter became one of the most sought-after players in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The Punjab Kings outbid the Delhi Capitals in the auction and eventually signed Iyer for INR 26.75 crore.

Shreyas Iyer has also been named captain of the IPL franchise, where he will be mentored by Ricky Ponting. PBKS underwent a major overhaul and has emerged as a legitimate title contender for the upcoming 2025 season.

Punjab Kings will open their season against the Gujarat Titans in an away game on March 25, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Also Read: 'It Was About Respect': Punjab Kings Skipper Shreyas Iyer Takes An Indirect Dig At Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead Of IPL 2025