"It Was Too Much… I Cried After That Session": Shreyas Iyer on His Struggles Before Champions Trophy

Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, who finished the 2025 Champions Trophy campaign as India’s leading run-scorer, shared that he broke down in tears after Team India’s initial training session before the tournament, which was co-hosted by Pakistan and Dubai.

"The last time I teared up was during the opening net session of the 2025 Champions Trophy. I was genuinely crying because I was in the nets struggling to bat properly. I got extremely frustrated with myself and just started crying. I was also surprised because I don’t usually cry that easily," Iyer said when actress Sahiba Bali asked him, “When was the last time you cried?” during an episode of ‘Kandid with Kings’.

"I had done well in the series against England, so I assumed I’d continue with the same rhythm, but the pitches were quite different, and adjusting on the very first day was a tough challenge. So, when the practice session ended, I wanted to put in some extra time, but I didn’t get the opportunity, and that made me really upset," Iyer added.

First Defeat Comes Against Rajasthan Royals

Iyer emerged as India’s top run-scorer in the tournament scoring 243 runs across five matches, which included back-to-back half-centuries against Pakistan and New Zealand during the group stage. He also played a crucial knock of 48 runs in the final.

His consistent performances earned him a spot in the Champions Trophy’s Team of the Tournament joining fellow Indians Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakaravarthy. The Punjab Kings started their 2025 season on a high, winning comprehensively against the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants before suffering their first defeat at the hands of the Rajasthan Royals.

Looking back on the journey, Iyer emphasized the importance of beginning strong and stressed the need to remain grounded throughout the tournament.

"The vibe is really positive. To have a great IPL season, it's crucial to kick things off with a strong first game and thankfully, we began on the right note. I believe when you start well the energy in the camp stays high, and that momentum carries into the upcoming matches. That said, it’s equally important to remain grounded." Iyer said.

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