Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable IPL 2025 performance has ignited calls for his inclusion in India’s T20I and Test squads and positioned him as a strong contender for national captaincy.
After a dominant season leading the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL 2025 final, Shreyas Iyer has officially thrown his hat in the ring for India’s captaincy. According to a senior BCCI official, Iyer’s influence and consistent performance in the IPL have made it impossible to ignore his candidature for the leadership role in India’s white-ball teams — and potentially even in Tests.
“Right now he just plays ODIs, but after this IPL we can’t keep him out of T20 Internationals and even Tests. Plus, he’s now officially part of the white-ball captaincy race,” a top BCCI official told Indian Express, signalling a shift in team strategy post-IPL.
From Rejection to Recognition: Iyer’s Comeback Story
Shreyas Iyer’s cricketing journey in the last two years has been a rollercoaster. After leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL 2024 title, he was surprisingly released ahead of the next season. Injury setbacks, exclusion from India’s central contract list, and absence from T20I and Test squads had pushed him to the sidelines.
But Iyer responded in style. He dominated domestic cricket with Mumbai, led them in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and eventually found a new IPL home in PBKS — a team long viewed as underachievers. Iyer didn’t just captain them to the final; he revitalized the franchise and redefined his own leadership style.
“Sarpanch Sahab”: The New Face of Calm Authority
What made Iyer’s IPL 2025 campaign special wasn’t just his runs, but how he led the team. His composed yet authoritative approach earned him the nickname “Sarpanch Sahab” among fans and teammates.
A defining moment came during the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, where Iyer played one of the greatest IPL knocks under pressure — a blistering 87 off 41 balls*, including a dominant assault on Jasprit Bumrah. His innings single-handedly took PBKS past a daunting 204-run target with an over to spare.
Though PBKS fell short in the final against RCB, Iyer’s stature only grew. His calm stare after a critical run-out in the final signaled a no-nonsense leader ready to demand excellence.
India’s Next Captain in the Making?
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli nearing the twilight of their careers, and Shubman Gill already being groomed as a leader, Iyer’s name is now being mentioned in the same breath. His captaincy credentials, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, make him a serious contender for India’s leadership transition.
As the selectors prepare for a packed international calendar, including tours of Australia and the T20 World Cup, Shreyas Iyer’s comeback story could take an even bigger leap — from IPL redemption to leading India on the world stage.
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