File photo of Shreyas Iyer.© BCCI
Stylish Indian batter Shreyas Iyer on Tuesday secured the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for March after playing a stellar role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph. Iyer finished as the highest run-scorer with 243 runs during the ODI event to win the honour, overcoming competition from New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra. He received the honour for the second time. He won the award for the first time in February 2022. Iyer won the award again after a gap of three years, 1127 days to be precise. With it, the right-handed batter has achieved a big record.
1127 days is the longest gap for a player claiming two ICC Player of the Month awards.
“I’m truly honored to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March. This recognition is incredibly special, especially in a month where we lifted the ICC Champions Trophy – a moment I will cherish forever,” Iyer said in an ICC release.
“Being able to contribute to India’s success on such a big stage is something every cricketer dreams of. I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and support staff for their unwavering support and belief.
“A heartfelt thank you to the fans as well – your energy and encouragement keep us going every step of the way.” India thus won the award back-to-back, with Shubman Gill winning the honour for February.
Iyer helped India progress through the middle overs with his masterful stroke-play and his knack for anchoring the innings and forging crucial partnerships played a vital role in steering his side through a victorious campaign.
The 30-year-old scored 172 runs across three matches in March, averaging 57.33, with a modest strike rate of 77.47, which included some spectacular knocks.
Iyer scored 79 off 98 balls which included 4 fours and 2 sixes in a win against New Zealand in a Group A fixture of the Champions Trophy, an innings that gave India a competitive total of 250 in the first innings on a tricky pitch.
He scored 45 off 62 balls to assist in India’s victorious chase over Australia in the semi-finals and finished his tournament with a clinical 48 off 62 balls as India sealed victory over New Zealand in the summit clash.
(With PTI Inputs)
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