Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 for Punjab Kings not only sealed their spot in the IPL 2025 final but also sent a clear message to the BCCI: this guy’s got to lead India across formats. It’s a bold statement after a stellar knock in the Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, marking yet another historic milestone for Iyer in the IPL.
Iyer’s Unique IPL Legacy: Leading Three Teams to Finals
Shreyas Iyer has quietly carved out an extraordinary record in IPL history. With Punjab Kings now through to the final, he’s become the first captain ever to lead three different franchises to the IPL final. Think about that — it’s no small feat.
Iyer’s journey is a bit of a rollercoaster. While he’s currently not in the Test or T20I squads, his IPL form is impossible to ignore. The 30-year-old has been a captain and a match-winner when it mattered the most. His unbeaten 87 from just 41 balls against Mumbai Indians was pure magic — blending calmness with aggression perfectly. The kind of innings that lifts a whole team and silences critics.
This IPL final showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad isn’t just a match. It’s a potential launchpad for Iyer’s bigger leadership role in Indian cricket.
Why the BCCI Needs to Pay Attention Now
Despite missing out on recent India squads, Iyer’s performances at the IPL and in other tournaments haven’t gone unnoticed. Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who knows a thing or two about leadership and pressure, tweeted that Iyer will captain India across multiple formats. That’s no small prediction.
What’s interesting is the disconnect between his IPL dominance and the selectors’ decisions. India’s Test and T20I teams have not included him recently, even as he proved to be the Most Valuable Player in the Champions Trophy, a tournament where India remained unbeaten under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.
It begs the question: how long can the selectors afford to overlook someone who’s clearly in form and shows leadership qualities?
The Challenge of Multi-Format Captaincy in Indian Cricket
Leading a team in just one format of cricket is tough. Juggling captaincy across Tests, ODIs, and T20s? That’s a whole other beast. But Iyer seems ready — or at least, that’s what the IPL and his recent performances suggest.
Some might argue that the experience gap in Tests and T20Is could be a hurdle. True, but look at his track record of calm decision-making and leading from the front. That unbeaten 87 was a masterclass in pacing an innings under pressure. It’s about time the selectors consider his potential beyond just IPL.
Can Iyer Fill the Leadership Vacuum?
India’s captaincy landscape has seen some shifts recently. Rohit Sharma, while a proven leader, has faced injury setbacks and form fluctuations. Virat Kohli’s leadership journey seems to be winding down. So who’s next?
Iyer is emerging as a natural candidate. Not just because of his IPL achievements but due to his temperament. Cricket isn’t just about raw talent anymore; it’s about handling pressure, managing a squad, and making strategic calls on the field.
Here’s a quick look at how Iyer stacks up against some current Indian leaders in IPL captaincy records:
| Player | IPL Teams Led | IPL Finals Reached | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Delhi, Kolkata, Punjab | 3 | First to lead 3 teams to finals |
| Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians | 6 | 5-time IPL champion |
| MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings | 7 | 3-time IPL champion, WC winner |
This table shows Iyer’s unique niche as a flexible leader who adapts across teams and conditions.
What’s Next for Shreyas Iyer and Indian Cricket?
For now, all eyes are on the IPL final. If Iyer leads Punjab Kings to victory, it’ll add more weight to his claim for multi-format leadership. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely.
If the BCCI wants to keep India’s leadership fresh and effective, they might just have to make room for Iyer — a captain with both flair and the calm of a seasoned pro. The IPL might just be the stage where Iyer finally gets the nod he’s been knocking on for years.
The IPL spotlight has a way of changing careers overnight. Shreyas Iyer’s shining moment could be India’s next big captaincy chapter.
