Shreyas Iyer: A Rising Star in Indian Cricket Leadership
Shreyas Iyer is making a big name for himself in Indian cricket. He recently led Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in 11 years. He also guided Sobo Mumbai Falcons to the semifinals of the T20 Mumbai League. Iyer has shared how captaincy has changed him for the better.
His skills and calmness under pressure have started talks about him becoming India’s next white-ball captain. There’s even discussion about a Test call-up for the England series.
Embracing Leadership Challenges
At 30, Iyer has nearly a decade of captaincy experience, starting at just 22. Looking back, Iyer said, “Captaincy brings a lot of maturity and responsibility.”
Iyer’s approach to leadership is straightforward. He stays present and focused.
“I try to get into my zone. I do what’s in front of me. I stay focused and present. I embrace the situation and the crowd,” he explained.
Leading Punjab Kings to IPL Glory
Iyer’s captaincy for Punjab Kings in the 2025 IPL season was a big deal. It marked their first final appearance since 2014. His leadership helped Punjab Kings through tough matches.
Besides captaincy, Iyer scored over 600 runs in the IPL. This shows his dual role as a reliable batsman and leader.
Key Achievements:
- Led Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in 11 years
- Scored over 600 runs in the IPL season
- Guided the team through challenging matches
Shreyas Iyer’s Role for Sobo Mumbai Falcons
Right after the IPL final on June 3, 2025, in Ahmedabad, Iyer went back to Mumbai. He led Sobo Mumbai Falcons in the T20 Mumbai League. Under his captaincy, the Falcons won four out of five matches, making it to the semifinals.
Iyer talked about the demands of leadership. He said, “You are always expected to perform and contribute to the team. Whenever there is a problem, the team looks to the captain.”
Notable Contributions:
- Led Sobo Mumbai Falcons to the semifinals
- Won four out of five matches
- Handled leadership demands with maturity
White-Ball Captaincy Discussions
His strong leadership in the IPL and Mumbai League has made him a top candidate for India’s white-ball captaincy. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir shared his thoughts on Iyer’s late inclusion in the squad at a press conference before India’s tour of England.
“Anyone can be called if they are in good form,” Gambhir said.
“We could only pick 18 players. The chairman-selector has already answered that question. For me, it’s always about being open to people who are in good form and can deliver,” he added.
