Shreyas Iyer Reacts to Being Named India's New T20I Captain, Says ‘Won't Be Under Anyone's Shadow’
Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as India's new T20I captain, succeeding Suryakumar Yadav. In his first public remarks, Iyer emphasised his commitment to an authentic leadership style, stating he 'won't be under anyone's shadow.' The appointment signals a new direction for India's shortest format ahead of crucial tours.
Shreyas Iyer has officially taken the reins as India's new T20 International captain, a move announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, 6 June. In his inaugural statements following the appointment, the 31-year-old right-handed batsman declared his intention to lead with an authentic approach, asserting that he "won't be under anyone's shadow" and has no plans to alter his personality for the role. This leadership transition sees Iyer replace Suryakumar Yadav, who had recently guided India to a T20 World Cup title. Suryakumar Yadav Sends Best Wishes To India's New T20I Captain Shreyas Iyer and Squad for Ireland and England Tours.
The decision to appoint Iyer comes amidst a reshuffle in India's T20 leadership, following a period where former captain Suryakumar Yadav experienced a dip in form. Iyer's proven track record in franchise cricket, including leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024 and Punjab Kings to the final in 2026, is understood to have been a significant factor in the selectors' choice. His appointment marks him as the 15th captain in the history of the Indian men's T20I cricket team.
A New Era for India's T20 Squad
Iyer's captaincy tenure is set to commence with India's upcoming tours to Ireland and England in June-July, followed by the Asian Games 2026 in Japan in September. The selection committee, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, indicated that the shift at the helm reflects the BCCI's strategic intent to cultivate a fresh T20 unit with an eye on future major tournaments, including the LA 2028 Olympics and the T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand scheduled for the same year. Despite not having played a T20I for India since December 2023, Iyer's consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have kept him in contention. Shreyas Iyer Named India's New T20I Captain; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns Maiden Call-Up for Ireland and England Series.
Embracing the Challenge
As per NDTV, Speaking on his new responsibility, Iyer conveyed his enthusiasm for the challenge.'I don't have to change my personality. I have to be the same person I was before, and not try to be someone else or be under someone's shadow,' Iyer stated at an event. He further added that he has always relished challenges, drawing on his competitive upbringing in Mumbai's vibrant cricket scene. Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has publicly backed Iyer's appointment, describing it as an earned opportunity for the 31-year-old.
The announcement also saw the maiden call-up for 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been included in the T20I squad, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record as the youngest Indian cricketer to be selected for the national team.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2026 06:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
