Shreyas Iyer has spent much of his career fighting perceptions.
Whether it was returning from injuries, forcing his way back into India’s plans or proving his credentials as a leader, the Mumbai batter has often found himself with something to prove. Now, as he prepares to take charge of India’s T20I side, Shreyas is determined not to let the title of captain change him.
Speaking at an event on Sunday, the 31-year-old said that while leading India is a privilege and a challenge, he has no intention of becoming a different person because of it.
“Even when I’ve got this job right now, or a responsibility as a captain, it’s a great challenge at the same time. I don’t have to change my personality,” Shreyas said. “I have to be the same person how I was before, and not try to be someone else or be under someone’s shadow…”
For Shreyas, that outlook has its roots in Mumbai’s cricket culture, where competition begins long before players make it to the professional stage. Growing up in a city where every aspiring cricketer dreams of representing Mumbai, he learned early that pressure was part of the journey.
“I obviously loved challenges growing up, especially being from Mumbai, where cricket is pretty big, and competition is high. Every other kid on the street they want to represent Mumbai. My mindset was always about winning, against everyone that I challenged, so whether it’s about learning or winning, that is secondary, but more fun you have growing up,” he said.
“The more competitive nature you have, especially while you play cricket or any other sport in general, the better it is. I think that takes you to another level and you want to take that sort of responsibility,” he added.
That competitive streak has shaped much of Shreyas’ career. There have been highs, including becoming one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters, and lows that tested his resolve. But through it all, he has remained convinced that a positive mindset can make the difference.
His rise to the national captaincy has not happened overnight. In fact, it has been built over the last few seasons, particularly in the IPL, where he has steadily enhanced his reputation as a leader.
In 2024, he guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title, delivering on the franchise’s promise and silencing many who questioned whether he belonged in the league’s elite group of captains. A year later, after moving to Punjab Kings, he walked into a dressing room that had spent years searching for consistency and belief. Under his leadership, Punjab looked transformed, playing with greater clarity and confidence as it emerged as a serious contender.
The runs came, too. Shreyas scored 604 runs in IPL 2025 and followed it up with another productive season this year, finishing with 498 runs despite Punjab fading after a bright start.
More than the numbers, however, it was the manner in which he carried himself that strengthened his case. Every pressure situation navigated, every tactical decision and every challenge overcome added another layer to his leadership credentials.
So, when the selectors began searching for India’s next T20I captain, Shreyas’ name became increasingly difficult to ignore.
For someone who last played a T20I in 2023, the appointment completes a remarkable comeback. It is also a reminder that careers are rarely linear. There were moments when Shreyas appeared to be on the fringes of India’s plans, only for him to respond with performances and perseverance.
Now comes perhaps his biggest challenge yet.
Leading India’s T20I side brings with it expectations, scrutiny and pressure unlike anything else in the game. But if Shreyas’ own words are anything to go by, he does not intend to complicate things.
Published on Jun 07, 2026
