Shreyas Iyer's recent performances and leadership qualities have ignited discussions about his potential to captain the Indian cricket team in the future. A former Australian player and Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach has publicly voiced his support for Iyer, emphasizing his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team. This endorsement arrives amidst reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering Iyer for a leadership role in the white-ball formats, particularly with a tour to Bangladesh on the horizon following the Test series against England.
Iyer's captaincy credentials have been steadily growing over the past few years. He has a proven track record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having led Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title in 2024. In the 2025 season, he was appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings and led them to the IPL final, showcasing his ability to transform a struggling franchise into a competitive force. Iyer holds the unique record of being the only captain to lead three different teams to the IPL finals.
Brad Haddin, the assistant coach for PBKS, has been particularly vocal in his support for Iyer's captaincy ambitions. Haddin highlighted Iyer's leadership skills, recounting an incident during a crucial Qualifier 2 clash against the Mumbai Indians. Despite the team management's inclination to bat first, Iyer, against their advice, decided to bowl first after winning the toss. His decision was vindicated as Iyer played a match-winning knock of 87 runs, guiding his team to victory. Haddin emphasized Iyer's ability to read the game and make on-the-spot decisions, stating, "I hope, when they come down to pick an Indian captain, they really start to consider Iyer. He was outstanding throughout the whole tournament."
Iyer's leadership extends beyond tactical decisions. Haddin praised his "ultra-aggressive" leadership style and his focus on creating a positive team environment. Iyer's ability to bring the team together, coupled with his high cricket IQ, has impressed both players and coaches. Ricky Ponting, who previously worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals and now serves as the head coach for PBKS, also lauded Iyer's leadership. Ponting has emphasized Iyer's calm presence, equal treatment of players, and motivating approach as key elements behind PBKS's successful campaign.
Iyer himself has expressed his enjoyment of leadership roles, stating that they bring out the best in him. "It (captaincy) brings in a lot of maturity and responsibility," Iyer said. "You are always expected to perform and contribute in the best way possible for the team because whenever there is a hurdle or some kind of adversity you face as a team, they always come to the captain." He has also emphasized the importance of staying focused, embracing the situation, and connecting with the crowd to create a positive atmosphere.
Despite his impressive leadership credentials, Iyer has faced challenges in his career. He was dropped from the BCCI's central contract list and missed out on a Test spot for the series against England. However, Iyer has consistently bounced back from setbacks, using them as motivation to improve his game. His recent performances in the IPL and domestic cricket have solidified his position as a key player for India.
As the BCCI considers its options for future leadership roles, Shreyas Iyer's name has emerged as a strong contender. His proven captaincy record, tactical awareness, and ability to inspire his team make him a valuable asset. The backing from former players and coaches further strengthens his case, suggesting that he is ready to take on the responsibility of leading the Indian cricket team. Whether he is handed the reins remains to be seen, but Shreyas Iyer has undoubtedly positioned himself as a frontrunner in the captaincy race.
