Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Punjab Kings and India’s top scorer in the 2025 Champions Trophy, recently opened up about an emotional experience during the tournament. He revealed that he cried after India’s very first practice session before the tournament began, which was held in Pakistan and Dubai. In a chat with actress Sahiba Bali on the show ‘Kandid with Kings’, Iyer shared that he broke down after struggling during a net session.
He explained that he wasn’t able to bat properly and became so upset with himself that he started crying, something that rarely happens to him. Coming off a successful series against England, he expected to continue his form, but the new pitch conditions made it difficult to adapt quickly. The frustration grew when he wasn’t allowed extra practice time after the session, which made him even more emotional.
Strong Comeback and Key Performances
Despite the rough start, Shreyas Iyer bounced back strongly in the tournament. He ended as India’s leading run-scorer with 243 runs in five matches. His performance included back-to-back half-centuries against Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage. In the final match, he played a valuable innings of 48 runs.
His consistent efforts earned him a place in the Champions Trophy Team of the Tournament, alongside fellow Indian players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Iyer’s contribution was vital to India’s overall performance, and his journey showed how he overcame early challenges through focus and determination.
A Positive IPL Start and Team Mindset
Alongside his Champions Trophy success, Iyer also led the Punjab Kings with energy and confidence in the 2025 IPL season. The team started strongly with wins against the Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants before facing their first defeat against the Rajasthan Royals. Iyer spoke about how important it is to begin a tournament with a win, as it builds team morale.
He said that when the first match goes well, it sets a good mood in the camp and often leads to better results in upcoming games. At the same time, he stressed the need to stay grounded. According to him, staying humble is key to maintaining performance throughout the season, no matter how well the team starts.
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