New Delhi: Vijaykumar Vyshak has thrown his support behind Shreyas Iyer as a future India captain, praising the Punjab Kings skipper’s leadership qualities during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season.
The pacer highlighted Iyer’s calm demeanour, ability to manage players effectively, and his growing influence both on and off the field as key traits that make him a strong contender for national leadership.
Vyshak lauds Iyer’s leadership style
Speaking during a media interaction, Vijaykumar Vyshak emphasised that Iyer’s approach creates a positive environment within the team. He noted that the captain treats all players equally, regardless of experience or status, which helps build trust and confidence.
Vyshak pointed out that Iyer consistently backs his bowlers, even during difficult phases, a quality that is crucial in high-pressure formats like T20 cricket. According to him, such leadership fosters belief among players and allows them to perform freely.
He also highlighted Iyer’s approachable nature, stating that players feel comfortable discussing issues with him, further strengthening team dynamics.
Strong captaincy record across formats
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership credentials have steadily grown over the years. Under the mentorship of Ricky Ponting, he led Punjab Kings to the IPL final last season — a significant achievement for the franchise after more than a decade.
Previously, Iyer guided Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 and captained Delhi Capitals to their maiden final in 2020. He also led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2024, further strengthening his captaincy résumé.
These consistent performances across teams and tournaments have positioned him as a natural leader in Indian cricket.
Growing role in Indian team setup
Iyer’s rise has also been reflected at the international level. He was appointed vice-captain of India’s ODI side in 2025, following the team management’s transition after Rohit Sharma stepped aside and Shubman Gill took over captaincy duties.
He was also in line to lead India during South Africa’s tour in 2025 but missed the opportunity due to a rib injury sustained during an ODI against Australia.
Despite these setbacks, Iyer has continued to deliver consistently with the bat, maintaining strong performances alongside his leadership responsibilities.
Consistency with the bat
Iyer’s batting numbers underline his importance to every side he has represented. He scored 604 runs at an average of 50.33 for Punjab Kings last season, while also contributing 351 runs during Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign in 2024.
Earlier, he amassed 519 runs for Delhi Capitals during their run to the IPL final in 2020, proving his ability to perform in crucial moments.
Vyshak eyes India call-up
Meanwhile, Vijaykumar Vyshak is making a strong case for national selection with his performances in IPL 2026. The pacer revealed that his preparation and training have started to reflect in his performances.
He credited his growth to the support system at the Karnataka State Cricket Association and guidance from senior players. Despite a challenging domestic season, Vyshak believes the experience has helped him improve significantly.
Notably, he has already picked up five wickets in just two matches this season, matching his tally from the previous year.
Conclusion
Vijaykumar Vyshak’s endorsement adds weight to Shreyas Iyer’s growing reputation as a leader in Indian cricket. With a proven track record across franchises and increasing responsibilities at the international level, Iyer appears well-positioned to take on a bigger leadership role in the future.
At the same time, Vyshak’s own rise highlights the depth of emerging talent in Indian cricket, setting the stage for exciting developments in the national team setup.