Sanjay Bangar backs Shreyas Iyer to bat at Number 4 for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar shared his preferred middle-order for the ODIs. He chose Shreyas Iyer over Tilak Varma for the No.4 position, supporting his decision with strong reasons. Banger also decided to place KL Rahul below Iyer in the batting order.

Sanjay Bangar chose Sanju Samson over Rishabh Pant for the ODI squad, citing Samson’s current batting form as the deciding factor. He felt that Samson’s recent performances in the format were stronger, which gave him an edge over Pant, who has struggled with form recently. This decision highlights Bangar’s focus on current form while selecting players for the squad. He said:

I think, as a backup, you have to give that place to Sanju Samson because he averages above 50 in ODI cricket. Add to that, he is a man in form as well. So, if at all there has to be a backup wicketkeeper-batter, it has to be Sanju Samson. Yes, Rishabh Pant has started playing the T20 and the Test formats, but this is a format where he will have to wait for his time.

Iyer has been in excellent form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring unbeaten centuries against Karnataka and Puducherry. He has been leading Mumbai well and letting his bat do the talking. In ODIs, he has scored 2,421 runs with an impressive average of 47.47.