Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons it would be slightly easier for Shreyas Iyer to lead India in T20Is ahead of the series against Ireland. Kaif believes leading India is easier than leading an IPL team.
Iyer has all the IPL leadership experience under his belt and was given the captaincy baton by the selectors ahead of the UK tour. The Mumbai batter has taken KKR to glory in IPL 2024 whereas he also guided Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to the final in 2020 and 2025 editions respectively.
Kaif said captaining an Indian team is easier as every player is aware of his respective role.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “I think it will be a little easier for him. Let me explain why captaining the Indian team is comparatively easier. The reason is that you don’t have to groom the players. Every player already knows his responsibility and understands his role. When you’re captaining an IPL team, it’s much more challenging. IPL captaincy is tougher because you have seven Indian players and four overseas players. Out of those seven Indians, you have to pick the best combination. There are also two or three young players in the squad whom you have to guide and groom. It requires a lot more effort.”
“Captaining the Indian team is a bit easier because everyone already knows their role. Arshdeep Singh knows exactly what kind of bowling he’s expected to do. Axar Patel has already played at the highest level, won a World Cup, and made valuable contributions. Arshdeep has consistently performed well for India. Then you have Harshit Rana, who has improved as a bowler and has already represented India. Prasidh Krishna has also played for the national team. So this isn’t a squad full of uncapped or inexperienced players that you need to manage from scratch. That’s why I say the job becomes a little easier,” he added.
The Natwest trophy final hero said it would be imperative for Iyer to decide his own batting position in the T20I team.
“When it comes to batting, I feel that after KKR’s 2024 season, Shreyas Iyer learned one important lesson. If he’s the captain, then at least he should decide his own batting position in the playing XI. He won’t interfere in other decisions like who opens the innings or whether Axar Patel should be promoted. Those are matters for the coaching staff and management. But when it comes to his own batting position, I think he’ll push for what he believes is best.
India will play the first T20I against Ireland at Belfast on Friday.
