Can Shreyas Iyer become India's long-term white-ball leader?
What's the story
Shreyas Iyer has gradually developed into one of India's most dependable middle-order batters in white-ball cricket. Beyond his stroke-making ability, his calm presence, tactical awareness and experience in domestic and franchise cricket make him an intriguing leadership candidate. Iyer is already India's skipper in the 20-over format after the management moved on from Suryakumar Yadav. He is also India's vice-captain in ODIs.
T20Is
Helping India win major events and form will dictate T20Is
As far as T20Is are concerned, it remains to be seen how long a rope will Iyer get.
If he can help India win the ICC T20 World Cup 2028 and a gold at 2028 Olympics, he could get a longer rope.
Form is another factor and individually Iyer will need to perform consistently.
Despite helping India win the T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar was axed as India's skipper.
ODIs
Gill will lead India in ODIs for quite some time
31-year-old Iyer is unlikely to be India's ODI captain with a younger player in Shubman Gill trusted to helm the role for years to come.
Gill is also India's skipper in the longest format.
So Iyer will likely remain Gill's deputy as long as he is in the thick of things.
With Gill and Iyer in the side, India will benefit in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup.
Leadership
Iyer is an experienced leader
Iyer is not new to captaincy. His leadership stints in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have given him experience managing different personalities, reading match situations and making tactical decisions under pressure.
He has also led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title and got Punjab Kings to an IPL final which helped him be considered as India's 20-over format skipper.
Information
Iyer's path is clear for the two formats
Despite Iyer being a solid batter and an astute leader, he will need to showcase consistency on both fronts in the 20-over format to be a long-term option. As far as ODIs are concerned, he is unlikely to replace Gill as India's skipper.