Shreyas Iyer should be considered as the next India captain? Check details

In the 2024 IPL season, Shreyas Iyer stood tall as the savior for Kolkata Knight Riders, delivering impactful performances and leading from the front. Fast forward to 2025, and Iyer once again proved his mettle—this time donning the captain's hat for Punjab Kings, almost steering them to their maiden title. Although Punjab fell just short in the final, Iyer’s leadership throughout the season showcased his growth as a tactician and an inspiring presence. His consistent ability to transform teams into strong contenders has not gone unnoticed. Remarkably, Iyer became only the third captain in IPL history—after legends Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma—to lead teams into three IPL finals.

Can Shreyas Iyer be named as the next India captain?

What sets him apart, though, is that he achieved this rare feat with three different franchises in just five years—a testament to his adaptability, cricketing intelligence, and leadership range. Despite his outstanding IPL record, it’s surprising that Iyer was not named in India’s Test squad for the England tour this month. Nonetheless, his growing stature as a leader suggests that a significant role in Indian cricket's future may not be far off. Shreyas Iyer may have missed the trophy, but he won hearts and reinforced his status as a captain to watch.

In 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders made the bold decision to release Shreyas Iyer after disagreements over his retention fee. That decision has since proven costly, as Punjab Kings capitalized on the opportunity and gained not just a skilled batter but an astute and passionate leader. At 30, Iyer brought with him a wealth of experience and maturity, showing he knows exactly how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a high-profile cricketing career with composure and clarity.

Punjab’s investment paid off handsomely, with Iyer steering the team to the IPL 2025 final and winning admiration across the cricketing world for his tactical sharpness and calm leadership. While young Shubman Gill prepares to face his toughest leadership test in the upcoming England tour, there’s no denying that Shreyas Iyer has firmly established himself as one of India’s finest captains in the current era. Iyer brings a rare blend of leadership traits—a Dhoni-like sense of calm under pressure, the fiery aggression of a Virat Kohli when needed, and the effortless swagger and street-smart instinct of a true “Bindaas Mumbaikar,” reminiscent of Rohit Sharma. After June 3, 2025, Shreyas Iyer should no longer be seen as just a future leader—he is already among India’s best.

In 2024, Shreyas Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title but received limited recognition for his role. Sacrificing his preferred batting position to accommodate the team’s balance, Iyer selflessly slotted into the lower order—a move that went largely unnoticed. Much of the credit for KKR's success was attributed to then head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was widely praised for his tactical insight and leadership influence. Meanwhile, Iyer’s instinctive on-field decisions and rigorous planning behind the scenes didn’t quite receive the spotlight they deserved.

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and the narrative began to shift. Now at the helm of Punjab Kings, Iyer once again showcased his leadership prowess by guiding an entirely different squad, under a new management structure and team philosophy, to the grand finale. Leading two distinct franchises to back-to-back IPL finals is no small feat—it’s a testament to his deep cricketing intellect, adaptability, and tactical brilliance. From that very moment, it became evident that Indian cricket had discovered a leader in the making—someone with the rare ability to rise above the noise and focus on the bigger picture. Shreyas Iyer showcased a calm head, tactical awareness, and an unwavering commitment to his team’s cause, proving he’s not just another talented player but a thinking cricketer with long-term potential.

His back-to-back appearances in IPL finals with two different franchises, combined with his on-field composure and off-field maturity, highlight a leadership quality that goes beyond just numbers and results. Iyer isn’t flashy, but he is firm, clear-headed, and always tuned into the needs of the moment. He understands pressure and thrives under it. With his latest IPL campaign, Iyer hasn’t just made a mark—he has officially arrived as a strong contender for leadership roles in Indian cricket. The journey ahead looks promising for this composed and capable cricketer.