Shreyas Iyer’s current form significantly strengthens India’s middle order for the Champions Trophy against England

In England’s pursuit of a 357-run target in the third ODI in Ahmedabad, there was only one moment of real tension for India. In the first six overs, England had raced to 60 without losing a wicket, with Ben Duckett already on 34. That’s when India captain Rohit Sharma stepped in.

Duckett, though playing with a groin injury, was hitting the ball hard, using his stand-and-deliver technique. After he smashed four consecutive balls from Arshdeep Singh, Rohit intervened from mid-off. With a characteristic shrug of disdain, he signaled to Arshdeep, pointing at his thigh, emphasizing that Duckett’s injury was limiting his movement and that balls should be bowled accordingly—not just ones he could freely strike. Arshdeep understood and delivered a slower ball on the final delivery of the over, earning a nod of approval from Rohit.

In his next over, Arshdeep began with another slower ball, which Duckett patted back. The following delivery was a knuckle ball, and Duckett, drawn into a big shot, was caught out. Rohit, pleased with the result, touched his head with his index finger, signaling the importance of thoughtful strategy.

That dismissal in the seventh over shifted the momentum of the game and boosted India’s energy. Rohit continued to make small yet impactful gestures, urging his fielders to stay focused. One such moment involved Harshit Rana almost turning a single into two at fine leg, prompting a brief reprimand from Rohit. These subtle interventions helped India attack with renewed vigor and concentration.