India’s newly appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted it wasn’t very surprising for him after he was given the captaincy baton in the shortest format of the game. Iyer said he has done well as a leader in the Indian Premier League and thus the selectors’ decision was not something out of the blue for him.

The Mumbai batter led Kolkata Knight Riders to glory in IPL 2024. Furthermore, he led Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to the final of the tournament in 2020 and 2025 editions respectively.

“Honestly speaking, it’s not outlandish. I was expecting it at some point of time. I have done brilliant in the previous IPL tournaments, whenever I have represented the country. So, it did not come to me as a surprise. But, at the same time, I feel it’s a great opportunity for me to learn from everyone around who has been part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad, the team management, support staff and also a few individuals who have played,” Shreyas Iyer told BCCI.TV.

Iyer said the leadership role is like icing on the cake while representing India at the top level.

“As a kid, you always dreamt of playing for the Indian team. Now, you are leading the Indian team. I think it’s an icing on the cake. It means a world,” he said.

“It’s definitely the result of hard work that you have put in and the support you have received from fans, family and friends.”

Iyer said he wants to be challenged in the captaincy role and he is someone who thrives under pressure.

“Relentless, ruthless and determined. No pressure, but at the same time, it’s going to be challenging. All I want to do is embrace the challenge.

“As I said before, it was not a surprise. I want it to be challenging, because I thrive under pressure,” he said.

The second T20I between India and England will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday.