India's next T20I captain? 'Self-aware' Shreyas Iyer breathing down Suryakumar's neck
Shreyas Iyer, a seasoned IPL captain, is making a strong case for a return to the Indian T20I squad. Reunited with coach Ricky Ponting at Punjab Kings, Iyer's consistent form and leadership potential are drawing attention. He's seen as a strong contender to replace Suryakumar Yadav, with selectors weighing his immediate impact and future captaincy prospects.
NEW CHANDIGARH: Shreyas Iyer first tasted IPL captaincy in turbulent circumstances. In an awkward press conference midway through the 2018 season, flanked by head coach Ricky Ponting, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) stalwart Gautam Gambhir stood down owing to woeful form and the team’s embarrassing run. Gambhir announced Iyer as his successor.
Iyer went on to blossom as a captain and a batter under Ponting at Capitals before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022, when the Delhi franchise shifted leadership to Rishabh Pant. He reunited with Gambhir at KKR in 2024 and guided the franchise to the IPL title. The triumph saw Gambhir graduate to India’s head coach within a month, and Iyer depart the franchise.
Even as Gambhir went into overdrive to reshape India’s T20I setup, Iyer remained out of contention. Turbulence has followed his career despite sustained consistency. Now reunited with Ponting at Punjab Kings — both nursing scars from their Capitals exit — Iyer is stirring a campaign that could knock on the door of Gambhir’s champion T20 unit.
On Sunday evening here, Iyer will come up against Pant, now leading Lucknow Super Giants and fighting an uphill battle to reclaim his India spot after being sidelined post the triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in 2024. But Iyer’s race is no longer against Pant. World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav’s prolonged slump has triggered one of the trickiest phases for Gambhir and the selection committee.