Not Rohit, Kohli or Shami, Gautam Gambhir picks the biggest game-changer in World Cup ODI 2023

Team India on Wednesday delivered a strong performance against New Zealand in the semi-final game defeating Kane Williamson and Co by 70 runs to secure a birth in the Grand Finale of the World Cup ODI 2023. The ‘Men in Blue’ drafted a huge total of 397 runs at the loss of 4 wickets in the first innings riding on the backs of flamboyant centuries from Virat Kohli (117) and Shreyas Iyer (105). While Kohli struck a record of 50 ODI centuries, Iyer silenced his haters with his second consecutive ton in the mega event. Iyer’s 67-ball knock came at a very crucial time when India needed to boost their Net run rate in the absence of Kohli.

India’s ex-opener Gautam Gambhir, who won the World Cup in 2011, regarded Iyer’s knock as one of the best during a TV show and said the terrific knock was overshadowed by other players’ performances. While Kohli’s fabulous record of 50 tons took away the headlines, Mohammed Shami was also the talk of the town with his 7-wicket haul in a crucial moment where India needed wickets desperately to win the match. Shami was also awarded the Man of the Match award for his terrific bowling stance. 

“I said it on air, and I want to repeat it. He was the game-changer against New Zealand. I guess he doesn't have many followers on social media, that's why he didn't get as much praise. He's playing his first World Cup. You expect Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to perform in big games because they have experience. Kohli is playing his fourth World Cup, Rohit has played 3. Shreyas is playing his first,” Gambhir said ahead of the 2nd semi-final game between South Africa and Australia, where the five-time champions registered a blistering three-wicket victory over the Proteas on Thursday.

“It is unfortunate that he isn't getting as much appreciation as others. Shreyas Iyer, for me, has produced unbelievable batting. He didn't let the pressure get to Virat Kohli. The difference between 350 and 390 was Shreyas Iyer. Imagine how much pressure India would have been in, if India had set a target of 350,” Gambhir further stated.

The hosts remain the only undefeated side in this tournament with a record-breaking 10 out of 10 wins and will now try to get their hands on the prestigious trophy for the 3rd time in history after 1983 and 2011. Earlier Rohit Sharma and Co. met the Aussies in the very first game of this World Cup. Virat Kohli’s 85 and KL Rahul’s 97 run knock steered India to a victory with six wickets to spare after being left 2/3 during a 200-run chase.