Vice-captaincy is a big step forward for Shreyas Iyer

Vice-captaincy is a big step forward for Shreyas Iyer (PTI Photo)

A lot was said about Shreyas Iyer missing out on the Asia Cup. I was one of the many who felt he deserved a chance. And I still believe the same. Having said that, it is great to see the BCCI giving him the responsibility of being Shubman Gill’s deputy in the ODI set-up. Iyer, it has to be said, is a serious leader and has the record to prove it. To win the IPL isn’t easy and Iyer has done that with KKR. He followed it up with a superb effort for the Punjab Kings and has a proven pedigree as captain and leader. Clearly Gill will find it helpful with Iyer being there to help him and back him up.

For Iyer this is a big call. To know that the selectors look at him at a leader and possible captaincy candidate is a big step ahead for him. It should give him confidence and make things much easier going forward. While he just plays one format for India at the moment, it can be surmised that he will do all to try and make the T20 team in the future. With a relatively fragile body, taking a break from red ball cricket isn’t all that bad for Iyer. If the choice is between being sidelined or just play white-ball, the answer is a no brainer. Iyer should focus on the white-ball formats and achieve what he is capable of. More so with a ODI World Cup under two years away.

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Iyer has never had a smooth ride. And yet there is no doubting his talent. From sustaining multiple injuries to being left out of the central contracts, it has been a career of ups and downs and that’s what makes him a fascinating case study. As we approach mental health day, Iyer can be singled out as one who has dealt with adversity and come out triumphant. For many the central contract snub could have been a decisive one. Such things aren’t easy to deal with and many fall prey to the pressure. Not so Iyer. He stood up to the challenge and went on to win the IPL and fought his way back into the contracts. He has now gone a step ahead and become the vice-captain of the ODI team.

As far as Ajit Agarkar and his committee is concerned, it is a big call to elevate Iyer as Gill’s deputy. It shows they are doing the job with professionalism and there is no bias involved. You can surely question the call but what you can’t question is the ethics and integrity. And in the end that’s what matters in positions of public accountability.

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I believe Iyer can make a very good captain. At times when Gill isn’t available for he is playing all formats, Iyer can very easily step up as leader. It can happen as early as November if Gill decides to opt out of the South Africa ODI’s after the two key Tests against the WTC champions. Iyer will know he will have his chance. And knowing him, he will wait for it with patience and confidence.