'I have been captaining since 22': Shreyas Iyer reflects as captaincy stocks rise for Punjab Kings star

Shreyas Iyer is leading Sobo Mumbai Falcons in the T20 Mumbai League (Photo: T20 Mumbai League)

Shreyas Iyer had a splendid IPL 2025, which saw him lead Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a runners-up position. Despite the remarkable display, the 30-year-old failed to make the cut for the Indian Test side even when big names such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced retirement from the format. He has also fallen down the ladder when it comes to T20Is and it is only ODIs, where Iyer appears to have cemented his spot in the XI. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India won without conceding a match, saw Iyer emerge as the team's MVP. His contribution while batting at the No. 4 position, a big conundrum up that finally seems to have been solved all thanks to Iyer's batting.

Now with Rohit approaching 40 and already retired from Tests and T20Is, it isn't totally wrong to start looking or discussing about future captaincy prospects in the 50-over format. And among all the names available, Iyer emerges as the frontrunner given his credentials in the IPL or whichever team he takes the charge of in other competitions. For instance Sobo Mumbai Falcons in the T20 Mumbai League, which is led by Iyer and have reached the semifinals.

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So when asked to the man himself about his thoughts on captaincy, Iyer said that he enjoys the challenge and discussed what the role means for him. "It (captaincy) brings in a lot of maturity and responsibility. You are always expected to perform and contribute in the best way possible for the team because whenever there is a hurdle or some kind of adversity you face as a team, they always come to the captain. I think I have got a lot of experience as I have been captaining since I was 22. I have enjoyed the moments and also embraced it. I love the fact to come out and lead," Iyer told reporters on the sidelines of the T20 Mumbai League.

Speaking further on his mindset, Iyer said he tries to mold himself as per the situation, before adding how he loves to draw energy from the crowd. The 30-year-old is joined by Indian stars Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube in the T20 Mumbai League and other players who have played with him in school and college.

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"I just try to get into my zone, and I try to do things which are there in front of me. I try to stay focused as much as possible, just stay in the present, embrace the situation, embrace the crowd because sometimes they get very electrifying and pass on the energy to you. So I keep telling myself that I want the crowd to cheer my name, and that brings that kind of motivation," he said. "There are familiar faces in the dressing room, I have played with a few of them in club cricket and also in my school and college teams. I am glad to be back and play with my teammates here."