Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit has expressed strong support for Shreyas Iyer as a future captain of the Indian cricket team. This endorsement comes on the heels of Iyer leading KKR to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, where they triumphed over SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at Chepauk on Sunday, May 25.
Iyer’s journey to this success was not without its hurdles. The 29-year-old skipper faced significant challenges before joining KKR for the 2024 edition of the IPL. He struggled with injuries and was omitted from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) central contract list. Despite these setbacks, Iyer displayed determination, guiding the Knight Riders with composure and strategic acumen throughout the season.
Under Iyer’s leadership, KKR secured nine victories out of 14 league games, with two matches abandoned due to inclement weather. His calm demeanor and strategic brilliance in field placements and bowling changes were pivotal in KKR’s dominant playoff performances, culminating in a convincing win in Qualifier 1 and the final.
Chandrakant Pandit lauded Iyer’s leadership qualities in an interview with the Times of India, stating, “I would give a lot of credit to Shreyas. He’s been a fantastic captain, very calm and cool. He was receptive to our suggestions and handled the team well on and off the field. With KKR, he showed the qualities which make him worthy of India captaincy in the future.”
Beyond his captaincy, Pandit highlighted Iyer’s development as a batter. Despite not having a stellar season with the bat, Iyer made crucial contributions, accumulating 351 runs in 14 matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of over 145. His performance included a match-winning half-century in Qualifier 1 against SRH, showing his ability to deliver under pressure.
Pandit remarked on Iyer’s growth, “Any player would be disappointed with that (Iyer’s BCCI contract snub). However, that should not affect his performance. Whenever we would discuss anything, we would never touch upon that point. We were clear that the task at hand was more important.” He added, “I remember that he told me: ‘Sir, I’ll prove it.’ The way he has batted in this IPL, he now seems to be a more matured, sensible batsman.”
Pandit is not alone in his belief that Iyer is a strong candidate for India’s captaincy. Several former cricketers have also voiced their support for Iyer’s leadership potential. His performance with KKR has demonstrated his ability to manage a team effectively and handle the pressures of high-stakes matches, traits essential for leading a national side.
As the cricketing world takes note of Shreyas Iyer’s capabilities, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers facing their own adversities. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and lead with poise makes a compelling case for his future role as captain of the Indian cricket team. With endorsements from influential figures like Chandrakant Pandit and his proven track record, Iyer’s future in Indian cricket looks promising.
