Shreyas Iyer's stellar performance in IPL 2025, particularly his captaincy of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final, has reignited discussions about his potential to lead India across multiple formats. This comes in the wake of Mumbai Indians' (MI) exit from the tournament after losing to PBKS in Qualifier 2.
Iyer's journey in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of inspirational. After a somewhat underwhelming league stage, PBKS found themselves in a precarious position, needing to win crucial matches to secure a playoff berth. Iyer, however, stepped up admirably, leading from the front with both his aggressive batting and astute tactical decisions. He led PBKS to the final of the tournament, where they will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
In Qualifier 2 against MI, Iyer played a captain's knock, scoring an unbeaten 87 off just 41 balls. This innings not only propelled PBKS to a competitive total but also showcased his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations. Throughout the season, Iyer has demonstrated remarkable composure and leadership qualities, earning praise from teammates, coaches, and commentators alike. He is also the first captain in IPL history to lead three different teams to the finals, first with Delhi Capitals in 2020 and then Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
The Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, had a mixed IPL 2025 season. Despite possessing a strong batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, and Suryakumar Yadav, they struggled to maintain consistency throughout the tournament. Sharma had an outstanding 81 off 50 balls to guide MI to a huge 228/5, before they were overpowered by GT by 20 runs in an earlier match. Their bowling attack, while boasting experienced campaigners, often lacked the cutting edge needed to restrict opposition batsmen. Ultimately, their campaign ended in disappointment as they failed to overcome a determined Punjab Kings side in Qualifier 2.
The conversation surrounding Iyer's leadership potential for the Indian team is not new. Even back in 2020, his Delhi Capitals teammate Alex Carey recognized his potential to lead India one day. Iyer's ability to connect with players, his focus on the team's needs, and his positive attitude were all highlighted as qualities that could make him a successful captain at the international level.
While Suryakumar Yadav currently holds the T20I captaincy, his age might be a factor in the long run. Iyer, at 30, could be a viable option to take over the reins in the future, especially considering his impressive IPL record and his recent exploits with PBKS. Furthermore, with Rohit Sharma's future in ODIs uncertain after 2027, Iyer could even be considered for the ODI captaincy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will undoubtedly be closely monitoring Iyer's progress. His leadership skills, coupled with his batting prowess, make him a valuable asset to any team. Whether he gets the opportunity to lead India in multiple formats remains to be seen, but his recent performances have certainly strengthened his case.
As PBKS prepares for the IPL 2025 final against RCB, Iyer has the chance to further solidify his reputation as a leader and a match-winner. A title victory would not only be a significant achievement for PBKS but also a resounding statement about Iyer's capabilities as a captain.
