Once considered a fixture in India’s white-ball setup, Shreyas Iyer’s journey over the past year has been anything but smooth. A key figure during India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, Iyer soon found himself sidelined — first by a recurring back injury, then by a surprise omission from the BCCI’s central contract list.
But now, Iyer’s resurgence — both with the bat and as a leader — has put him firmly back into the conversation as a potential successor to Rohit Sharma, especially in the ODI format.
Captaincy credentials back in spotlight
According to BCCI sources, Iyer is now under serious consideration as a future captain, with Rohit Sharma approaching the twilight of his international career. The 30-year-old has been in strong form, having led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title this year and taken Punjab Kings to the brink of a maiden championship in a recently concluded campaign.
His leadership pedigree is well-established. Back in 2020, Iyer captained Delhi Capitals to their first-ever IPL final, showcasing calm under pressure and tactical maturity. Now, as he leads the Sobo Mumbai Falcons in the Mumbai T20 League, his captaincy credentials are once again front and center.
“It (captaincy) brings in a lot of maturity and responsibility. 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. I think I have got a lot of experience as I have been captaining since I was 22. I have enjoyed the moments and also embraced it. I love the fact to come out and lead,” Iyer said during the Mumbai T20 League.
Thriving under pressure, reconnecting with roots
Far from being weighed down by pressure, Iyer says he feeds off it. The Mumbai-born batter credits high-intensity situations and crowd energy as key motivators in his performances.
“I just try to get into my zone, and I try to do things which are there in front of me. I try to stay focused as much as possible, just stay in the present, embrace the situation, embrace the crowd because sometimes they get very electrifying and pass on the energy to you. So I keep telling myself that I want the crowd to cheer my name, and that brings that kind of motivation,” he shared.
Playing in the Mumbai T20 League has also reconnected Iyer with familiar faces from his early cricketing days — a nostalgic homecoming of sorts.
“There are familiar faces in the dressing room, I have played with a few of them in club cricket and also in my school and college teams. I am glad to be back and play with my teammates here,” he added.
A serious contender to lead India?
With India expected to transition in leadership across formats in the near future, Iyer’s name is gaining traction. While Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill are also in the frame, Iyer brings a blend of experience, IPL success, and temperament that may give him an edge — especially in the 50-over format.
His return to form and captaincy in domestic tournaments sends a clear message: Shreyas Iyer is not just back — he’s ready to lead.
