Dubai– India’s star batter Shreyas Iyer has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March, alongside New Zealand duo Rachin Ravindra and Jacob Duffy.
Iyer played a pivotal role in India’s middle order during their victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign last month.
The right-hander scored 172 runs across three ODIs in March, averaging 57.33 with a strike rate of 77.47, finishing as India’s top scorer in the tournament.
His contributions were crucial to India’s unbeaten run. Iyer’s highest score of 79 came against New Zealand in their Group A clash. He also delivered a gritty 45 against Australia in the semifinal and a composed 48 in the final against New Zealand, helping India lift the coveted title.
Iyer’s ability to anchor the innings and forge key partnerships proved instrumental during high-pressure moments throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra impressed with his all-round performance, helping New Zealand reach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In three ODIs in March, Ravindra amassed 151 runs at an excellent average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 106.33. He also claimed three wickets at a commendable economy rate of 4.66.
His standout performance came in the semifinal against South Africa, where he hammered a brilliant 108 — his second century of the tournament — and shared a vital 164-run partnership with Kane Williamson, powering the Black Caps to the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history.
With the ball, Ravindra maintained pressure through economical spells, taking one wicket in each of the three ODIs.
Pacer Jacob Duffy also enjoyed a sensational March, particularly during the five-match T20I series at home against Pakistan.
Duffy emerged as the leading wicket-taker in New Zealand’s 4-1 series win, picking up 13 wickets at an average of 8.38 and an economy rate of 6.17.
His standout efforts included a career-best 4/14 in the opening match in Christchurch and another four-wicket haul (4/20) in the fourth T20I at Mount Maunganui, consistently troubling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
The 30-year-old’s impressive form also propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I bowling rankings.
Duffy continued his dominance in the ODI format as well, taking two wickets in the first ODI against Pakistan at the end of March, finishing the month with an impressive 15 wickets from just six matches. (Source: IANS)
