Shreyas Iyer Emerges as Potential ODI Captain Amid Speculation

The future of India’s One-Day International (ODI) captaincy is under scrutiny as speculation mounts around Shreyas Iyer possibly replacing Rohit Sharma. Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), recently addressed these rumors, emphasizing Iyer’s leadership experience and importance in the ODI squad as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.

Iyer’s credentials have come to the forefront following his leadership of India A in an upcoming three-match unofficial series against Australia A, set to begin on September 30, 2023, in Kanpur. Despite his key role, Iyer’s future in Test cricket remains uncertain. He is currently recovering from back surgery and has taken a six-month hiatus from red-ball cricket, raising questions about his long-term availability.

At a press conference in Dubai, Agarkar highlighted that Iyer’s captaincy experience with the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his previous roles leading India A demonstrate his potential as a leader. “Shreyas is a senior player, obviously leads his franchise in IPL cricket. We’re trying to find qualities of a leader in a lot of people. India A gives us an opportunity to see if somebody has that ability,” Agarkar stated.

Iyer’s captaincy capabilities were on full display when he led the Punjab Kings to their first IPL final since 2011, although they ultimately lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In the previous season, he guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, only to be released from the squad before the 2025 IPL Auction in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His leadership skills were also evident when he led Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, defeating Madhya Pradesh in the final.

Iyer’s Role in the ODI Setup

Agarkar reaffirmed Iyer’s significance in the ODI lineup, referring to him as a “key player” in the setup. He expressed optimism about Iyer’s performance in the upcoming matches against Australia A, which will serve as a crucial opportunity for him to demonstrate his leadership capabilities before the ODIs against Australia later in October.

“A statement was put out regarding his fitness in red-ball cricket; he won’t be available, and that gives us a chance. He’s been a key player in one-day cricket over the last few years,” Agarkar elaborated. “He gets three games before we go to Australia. More than anything, we want him playing and playing well because he becomes a key member in the one-day squad,” he added.

Iyer’s last appearance in international cricket was during the Champions Trophy 2025, where he played a crucial role in leading India to the title. He was the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, amassing 243 runs and reinforcing his status as a vital contributor to the team.

As discussions around captaincy continue, Iyer and fellow contender Shubman Gill, who currently serves as the vice-captain in T20Is and ODIs, remain at the center of attention. Agarkar’s remarks indicate that the BCCI is actively evaluating leadership options as the team gears up for significant international competitions.

The evolving narrative surrounding the Indian cricket team’s leadership highlights the dynamic nature of the sport, as players like Shreyas Iyer position themselves for pivotal roles in the future.