Shreyas Iyer as India T20 Captain: Three Ex-India Players dissect Mumbaikar ahead of Coronation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently appointed Shreyas Iyer as India’s captain in T20I format for the foreseeable future.

Shreyas replaced Suryakumar Yadav as captain in the T20Is, and his coronation as leader will be in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland.

In a discussion on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, India’s newly appointed spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule joined veteran cricketers and analysts Aakash Chopra, Pravin Amre, and Wasim Jaffer to evaluate Shreyas Iyer’s elevation as the new T20I captain.

The panel unanimously supported the decision, highlighting Iyer’s sharp tactical mind, bold on-field choices, and player-centric approach as key strengths for the demanding shortest format. Sairaj Bahutule, who recently stepped into the role of spin bowling coach, praised Iyer’s leadership style and temperament.

“Shreyas possesses ideal leadership qualities. He is someone who strives to perform in every single match, constantly looking for opportunities to contribute toward the team’s victory. Crucially, he has an excellent understanding of both him and his players, giving them the freedom to play their natural game. His calm and composed demeanour on the field brings tremendous clarity to the squad,” he said.

Aakash Chopra lauded Iyer’s ability to command respect through personal example and his quick decision-making skills, which are especially critical in T20 cricket.

“He leads by example, so you automatically start commanding that respect from the dressing room. Secondly, he has a brilliant understanding of the game and really reads its pulse. Especially in T20I cricket, which moves at a rapid pace, being able to make quick decisions is vital, and Shreyas does that exceptionally well.”

Pravin Amre expressed admiration for Iyer’s self-assurance and willingness to stand by tough calls.

“I love the sheer confidence he brings to the role. He doesn’t back away from taking tough decisions on the field, and more importantly, he has the conviction to back those decisions completely.”Wasim Jaffer highlighted Iyer’s tactical soundness and ability to remain unaffected by the additional responsibilities of captaincy,” Amre concluded.