‘Shreyas will captain India’: Iyer's leadership attract admirers as selectors overlook PBKS skipper for England Tests

Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings to their second IPL appearance in the history of the tournament (BCCI Photo)

Shreyas Iyer is the only captain in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) to guide three separate franchises to the final of the cash-rich tournament. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain was at the top of his game in Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians (MI), which saw him plunder 87 not-out off 41 balls. His effort drove PBKS to the final, where they will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa took to X as soon as Shreyas closed the match with a six and made the prediction that the 30-year-old would lead India in multiple formats in years to come. Uthappa wrote: “I’ve said this time and again and I’ll say it AGAIN!! Iyer will captain India in multiple formats!! He has to!! He’s that good.”

Ive said this time and again and Ill say it AGAIN!! Iyer will captain India in multiple formats!! He has to!! Hes that good!!
Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 1, 2025

Iyer is currently not a member of India's Test and T20 setup, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar explaining "there's no room for him" behind his absence from the tour of England. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer was India's MVP in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which the Men In Blue won without losing a single match.

His outstanding contribution both as a batter and captain ensured Punjab reach the IPL playoffs and then the finals for the first time since 2014. Shreyas, who was acquired by PBKS for Rs 26.75 crore, repaid the trust by accumulating 603 runs at an average of 54.82 and a strike-rate of 175.80 in 16 matches this season.

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Ricky Ponting (coach) and Iyer (captain) worked together at Delhi Capitals and took the team to the IPL 2020 final. The duo reunited with a new franchise this season and the results are out there for everyone to watch.

The previous season was the second instance when Iyer led a team (KKR) into the final and ultimately went to lift the IPL trophy. The skipper, however, was let go by KKR, and Iyer also expressed dissatisfaction over not receiving enough recognition for the title winning campaign, which was the franchise's third in IPL over the years. Instead, Gautam Gambhir, the mentor at that time, took most of the applause.

Now Iyer has a chance at scripting history after guiding Punjab to their second final, this time by taking the team the extra mile - which is to win maiden IPL title.