Shreyas Iyer has rapidly ascended to the forefront of discussions about India’s next white-ball captain, with recent performances and leadership credentials making a compelling case for his elevation to the national role. As speculation grows over Rohit Sharma’s future in ODIs, Iyer’s name has gained significant traction among selectors and cricketing circles, signaling a potential new era for Indian cricket.

Shreyas Iyer’s stellar 2025 fuels captaincy buzz

Iyer’s candidacy has been bolstered by a string of remarkable achievements over the past year. After leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title in 2024, he switched allegiances to Punjab Kings (PBKS) and guided them to their first IPL final in over a decade during the 2025 season. His leadership was widely praised, especially as he racked up 604 runs in 17 matches, underlining his value as both a captain and a consistent performer with the bat.

His impact was not limited to the IPL. Iyer also emerged as India’s top scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, outshining established stars and reaffirming his credentials as a big-match player. This consistent run of form, coupled with his ability to marshal teams in high-pressure scenarios, has caught the attention of national selectors.

Selectors take notice of Shreyas Iyer’s brilliance

Reports from The Indian Express and other outlets confirm that Iyer has “officially joined the race” to be India’s next white-ball captain, with influential voices within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now backing his leadership potential. “Right now he just plays ODIs, but after this IPL we can’t keep him out of T20 internationals and even Tests,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying, reflecting the growing consensus that Iyer’s time has come.

Currently, India’s captaincy is split across formats: Rohit Sharma leads in ODIs, Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is, and Shubman Gill in Tests. However, this fragmented leadership model is widely seen as unsustainable and a transition to a unified white-ball captain is expected in the near future.

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Iyer’s leadership qualities and track record

Iyer’s leadership journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. After setbacks due to injury and a brief exclusion from the BCCI’s central contract, he returned with renewed aggression and focus, delivering standout performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. His captaincy record, particularly in home matches, is impressive, with strong win ratios for Delhi Capitals (DC), KKR and PBKS.

Beyond statistics, Iyer is lauded for his calm demeanour, strategic clarity, and ability to empower younger players—traits reminiscent of India’s most successful captains. His leadership is seen as more about collective success than personal glory, a quality that resonates with both teammates and management.

While Rohit has not announced a retirement date from ODIs, the timing of a leadership change remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Iyer’s rise appears to be a matter of when, not if. He is expected to return to international duty in August for India’s limited-overs tour of Bangladesh, and a strong showing there could further cement his credentials.

With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon and India seeking stability and vision in its white-ball leadership, Iyer’s name stands out as the logical successor to Rohit — a testament to his perseverance, form, and growing stature in Indian cricket.

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