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In the world of international cricket, certain players have become synonymous with their ability to tackle spin with grace and aggression. Virat Kohli, for years, has set the standard in this regard, with his immaculate technique against spinners and his ability to play with the right balance of patience and aggression. However, in recent times, Shreyas Iyer has emerged as one of the new breed of Indian batsmen, making his own mark with the bat against spin. In the ongoing match against New Zealand in Dubai during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Iyer replicated Kohli’s mastery of spin bowling, playing a gritty knock that demonstrated his evolving game.
Shreyas Iyer’s Reputation vs Spin
Over the years, Shreyas Iyer has gained a reputation as one of the most consistent middle-order batsmen for India. But it is his ability to play against spinners, particularly in the middle overs, that has marked his evolution as a key player in India’s lineup. Iyer’s ability to use the depth of his crease, combined with his excellent footwork, has made him one of the best players of spin in recent times.
However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the 29-year-old. Early in his career, Iyer’s technique against spin was a subject of scrutiny. He was occasionally found wanting against well-executed deliveries from spinners like Rashid Khan or Yuzvendra Chahal, struggling to find the balance between aggression and control. It was this gap that many critics believed could potentially limit his career. But, like all great players, Iyer has worked hard on his game, refining his technique against spin.
A Challenging Spin Attack in Dubai
Dubai has always been a place where the pitch can offer significant assistance to spinners, especially as the game progresses. In the clash against New Zealand, the pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium had an added layer of challenge. It was dry and slow, with a surface that had begun to turn more as the game moved deeper. For a middle-order batsman like Iyer, this represented both an opportunity and a challenge.
New Zealand had a formidable spin attack, led by Mitchell Santner, who has been one of the most consistent left-arm spinners in world cricket. Along with him, the leg-spinner Ish Sodhi was also deployed by the New Zealand team to contain the Indian middle order. Both were highly capable of exploiting the turning conditions and restricting the batsmen. It was clear that whoever could adapt and play these spinners effectively would dictate the course of the innings.
The Context: India’s Rebuilding Effort
When Iyer walked to the crease, India was in a precarious position. Having lost key wickets in the early overs, including Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, the team was struggling to rebuild after a challenging start. The onus was on Iyer to steady the ship and ensure that India didn’t lose further wickets at regular intervals. His partnership with Hardik Pandya was crucial, and facing the spin bowlers, particularly with the dry surface starting to take effect, Iyer knew he had to be both composed and aggressive in equal measure.
What followed was a gritty and mature knock that was a testament to Iyer’s growing stature as a batsman. He absorbed the pressure with calmness and showed the ability to adapt, much like Virat Kohli. The comparison between Iyer’s knock in this game and Kohli’s legendary performances against spin over the years became inevitable, with the younger player following a similar blueprint to build his innings.
The Technique: Emulating Kohli’s Patience and Aggression
One of the key takeaways from Iyer’s knock against spin was the way he adjusted his game. Kohli has often been lauded for his impeccable technique against spinners, using his feet to reach the pitch of the ball, and never getting too far ahead or too far back in his crease. Iyer adopted a similar approach in this game, showcasing a full range of shots while remaining composed against the turning ball.
When facing Santner, Iyer used the depth of his crease, ensuring that he was not getting too close to the ball, giving himself room to maneuver and cut or drive through the gaps. The key difference between the younger Iyer and the older generation of batsmen was his ability to strike with intent when necessary. The most memorable shot of Iyer’s innings came against Santner, when he used his feet beautifully to get to the pitch of the ball and hit it over mid-on for a delightful boundary. This was a clear statement that Iyer was not merely content with survival but was willing to take the attack to the bowlers, much like Kohli does in similar situations.
Against Ish Sodhi, Iyer demonstrated his ability to read the wrist-spinner’s deliveries. He was patient, allowing the ball to spin and assessing the line and length, before expertly using the depth of the crease to drive the ball through the offside. On more than one occasion, Iyer showcased his ability to wait for the delivery and then hit with excellent timing, ensuring the ball raced away to the boundary despite the slow nature of the pitch.
The Mental Fortitude: A Reflection of Kohli’s Composure
Another striking aspect of Iyer’s innings was his mental fortitude. Despite the pressure of rebuilding and facing some top-quality spin bowling, Iyer maintained a calm demeanor. He didn’t panic, even when the required run rate began to climb, and instead focused on rotating the strike and finding gaps in the field. This was a trait that has always been associated with Virat Kohli, whose composure in the middle overs has been a key part of his success over the years.
What Iyer did was demonstrate that he too could emulate this aspect of Kohli’s game. He didn’t fall into the trap of playing unnecessary shots or losing his wicket in an attempt to up the tempo. His knock was a perfect balance of patience and aggression, playing the ball on its merits and ensuring that the momentum didn’t shift too far in favor of the bowlers. In doing so, he showed that he was maturing as a cricketer, able to carry the weight of expectation in big matches.
The Support of Hardik Pandya
One of the crucial elements of Iyer’s success in this knock was his partnership with Hardik Pandya. Pandya, known for his explosive batting, was the ideal partner for Iyer. As Iyer settled in, Pandya’s presence allowed him to take calculated risks, knowing that his partner could hit out when needed. This balance, where Iyer played the anchor role while Pandya provided the acceleration, helped India reach a competitive total despite early setbacks.
In the latter part of their partnership, as the innings gained momentum, Iyer showcased his full range of shots, even against the spinners. He flicked Santner for a six, maneuvered the ball into gaps for boundaries, and rotated strike effectively. His knock was a crucial contribution in the context of India’s total, ensuring they had a solid foundation to build on for the final overs.
Iyer’s Future as a Middle-Order Mainstay
Shreyas Iyer’s performance against spin in Dubai is a clear indicator of his growth as a player. With each passing game, he is proving that he can thrive in challenging conditions, especially against quality spinners. His ability to emulate the techniques of established masters like Virat Kohli — playing with patience, yet not afraid to dominate when needed — puts him in the company of the best in the game.
In the future, Iyer’s ability to play against spin will be a key component of India’s success, especially in conditions like those in Dubai, where the pitch tends to assist spinners. His evolution into a complete middle-order batsman, able to anchor the innings and accelerate when necessary, is something that India will rely on in the coming years.
Conclusion
In Dubai, Shreyas Iyer’s gritty knock against spin not only showcased his evolving technique but also marked a significant moment in his career. By emulating the approaches that players like Virat Kohli have adopted over the years, Iyer has proven that he can rise to the occasion in big matches and play with composure and flair. His performance in this game underlined his growth as a cricketer, a testament to his hard work and mental toughness. Moving forward, Iyer’s maturity with the bat, especially against spin, will make him a crucial asset for India in the years to come.
