Shreyas Iyer openly bids for India captaincy while shooting Gautam Gambhir in the head

Shreyas Iyer has stunned the cricket world by throwing his hat in the ring for India’s captaincy. In a move that has raised eyebrows, Shreyas Iyer has even indirectly taken a swipe at the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir while discussing leadership.

The stylish batter further revealed how much freedom and trust he received while leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025. He also pointed out how support from PBKS coaches, team management, and teammates helped him thrive both on and off the field last season.

Shreyas Iyer throws his hat for India captaincy, takes a jab at Gautam Gambhir

Last year, the Indian middle-order batter led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL 2024 triumph, but he could not make much impact with the bat when Gambhir was leading the charge despite being the mentor of the franchise.

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Even Gambhir got all the credit for KKR’s third title victory. Amidst the talks of Iyer getting India’s ODI captaincy, the Mumbaiker has emphasized that being trusted to make decisions and contribute in team meetings is really important for the captain to perform at his best at any level.

I offer a lot as a captain and player: Shreyas Iyer

Iyer, who was recently made India A captain for the upcoming red-ball games against Australia A at home, also believes that he offers plenty both as a player and as a captain.

Shreyas Iyer was quoted as saying by GQ: “I offer a lot as a captain and player. Punjab gave me all the support I needed from coaches, management, and players. I was able to contribute in meetings and make decisions on and off the field.”

However, Iyer didn’t feel as involved or fully included in the team’s plans during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He signed off by saying, “I was part of the conversation, but I wasn’t fully in the mix. I’ve had to work my way up to get to this position.”

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Shreyas Iyer’s leadership magic in IPL

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer’s journey as a leader in the IPL has been extraordinary. Not many players have managed to lead three different teams to the final, but Iyer has done it. He first made a mark with the Delhi Capitals by guiding them to their first-ever final in 2020.

The right-handed batter then moved to KKR, where his calm under pressure and smart tactics helped them clinch the title in 2025. After KKR didn’t retain him, Iyer joined PBKS and quickly transformed the side. His leadership helped them reach their first final in over ten years.

Iyer’s ability to stay composed, make sharp decisions, and get the best out of his teammates has made every team he led more competitive. With such a stellar record in the IPL, Iyer’s claim for India’s captaincy is growing stronger by the day.

His performance shows he is not just a reliable player but a leader who can take responsibility, handle pressure, and bring out the best in his players. It is being said that he is under consideration for the ODI captaincy of the Indian cricket team, as Rohit Sharma is set to finish his career soon.