The Indian cricket landscape is abuzz with speculation regarding the next captain of the ODI team, and a recent report has firmly put Shreyas Iyer “officially in the race” to succeed Rohit Sharma. Following a stellar IPL 2025 campaign where he led Punjab Kings to their first-ever final, Iyer’s leadership acumen and consistent performances have seemingly garnered significant attention from the national selectors.
The report, quoting an influential decision-maker within Indian cricket, suggests that Iyer’s impressive showing in the IPL has not only boosted his standing as a white-ball batter but also propelled him into serious contention for the captaincy. “Right now he just plays ODIs, but after this IPL we can’t keep him out of T20 Internationals and even Tests. Plus, he also has now officially joined the white-ball captaincy race,” the official was quoted as saying.
This development marks a remarkable turnaround for Iyer, who, not long ago, found himself out of India’s Test and T20I squads and even lost his central contract. After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024, his move to Punjab Kings for IPL 2025 saw him not only amass 604 runs from 17 matches but also display a calm and commanding leadership style that resonated with both teammates and fans. His ability to guide PBKS to the final, after previously leading KKR to a title, has highlighted his strong captaincy credentials.
While Rohit Sharma continues to lead the ODI side, the discussion around his successor has been ongoing, especially as he approaches the twilight of his career. Shubman Gill has often been touted as a strong candidate, even serving as vice-captain in some formats. However, Iyer’s recent surge, particularly his impactful captaincy and strong batting form in the IPL and a stellar Champions Trophy where he was India’s second-highest run-getter, has added a compelling new dimension to the leadership debate.
Iyer’s captaincy record in T20 cricket is notable. He has led teams in 100 T20 matches, securing 61 wins and 37 losses, with a commendable win percentage of 58.82% in the IPL. In List A cricket, he boasts 29 wins from 42 games. These figures, coupled with his consistent run-scoring and tactical awareness, present a strong case for him to take over the reins of the national ODI team.
As Indian cricket looks towards the future, with the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, a strategic decision on captaincy will be crucial. Shreyas Iyer’s emergence as a strong contender offers the selectors an experienced and in-form leader who has proven his ability to deliver under pressure. Whether he ultimately succeeds Rohit Sharma remains to be seen, but his name is now undoubtedly at the forefront of the discussion.
After Blockbuster IPL Season, This Indian Player Officially Enters Race for India’s ODI Captaincy
