Shreyas Iyer: The Rising Leader of India's T20I Squad

Sairaj Bahutule endorses Shreyas Iyer for his leadership as he becomes India's T20I captain for tours of England and Ireland in 2026. Iyer is praised for his tactical acumen and composure, with support from cricket experts. Former captain Suryakumar Yadav is notably absent from the squad.

Indian spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has expressed strong support for Shreyas Iyer as the new captain of India's T20I team, highlighting his "ideal leadership qualities" and consistent on-field performance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Iyer as captain for the 2026 tours of England and Ireland, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Notably absent from the squad is 2026 T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Iyer's ascension to T20I captaincy follows his successful track record in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he led Kolkata Knight Riders to a championship and had successful stints with Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. During an appearance on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Sairaj Bahutule joined a panel including Aakash Chopra, Pravin Amre, and Wasim Jaffer, all of whom praised Iyer's leadership. They emphasized his tactical insight, fearless decision-making, and player-centric approach as the basis of their support.

Bahutule commented on Iyer's ability to remain composed and promote a positive team culture, stating, "Shreyas possesses ideal leadership qualities. He gives players the freedom to play naturally while maintaining clarity on the field." Aakash Chopra described Iyer as a leader who "leads by example," praising his swift decision-making and understanding of the game. Pravin Amre admired Iyer's "sheer confidence" and bold decision-making, while Wasim Jaffer highlighted Iyer's technical prowess and fearlessness, noting that captaincy enhances rather than inhibits his personal game.