Shreyas Iyer may hold the key to India's pursuit of ODI gold in 2027 if the BCCI recognises his potential
Rohit Sharma's unexpected retirement from Twenty20 Internationals has sparked a heated discussion about who would succeed him in the shortest format. Suryakumar Yadav has been handed over the reign which is quite unexpected given Hardik Pandya was the natural successor. Amid the T20I fever, another critical concern remains: what about Rohit's future in ODIs?
He will probably captain India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, but it is unclear if he will be fit to play in the 2027 World Cup. The responsibilities of leadership might seem like too much at 39. In order to build on Rohit's vision for the 2027 World Cup, the BCCI needs to be ready for a possible transition, ideally with someone fresh who can blend in effortlessly.
Shreyas Iyer celebrating a well-deserved ton // Picture Courtesy -- @Rokte_Amarr_KKR
The equation becomes interesting at this point. It may not be the best idea to select the same skipper for ODIs and T20Is. Based on his ODI performance, T20I specialist Suryakumar Yadav may not be a good fit for India's starting XI. Despite being a gifted player, Hardik Pandya has a high risk of injury when playing 50 overs of cricket. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are two more candidates who haven't yet solidified their positions as ODI leaders.
Who then may be the solution? Here comes Shreyas Iyer, a player who fits the bill perfectly. Take a closer look at these three compelling reasons why Shreyas Iyer would be the best captain to guide India in the ODI format.
Unlike some other contenders, Shreyas is a vital cog in India's ODI machine. Remember the 2019 World Cup? His consistent batting, especially those back-to-back centuries, was a game-changer for India.
He solidified the number four spot, a position that had been a bit of a headache for the team. Sure, he's had injury concerns, but compared to Hardik's struggles with staying fit in 50-over cricket, Shreyas seems like a safer bet. The calmer tempo of ODIs compared to T20s also allows him to manage his body better.
Here's a thought: With Gautam Gambhir now as coach, one of his first moves could be to reinstate Shreyas's central contract and make him the vice-captain. This would ensure Shreyas plays every ODI and gets valuable experience learning from Rohit and Kohli, making the transition smoother.
Always contributing in team’s success // Picture Courtesy – Indian Express
Respect is key for any captain, and Shreyas has that in spades. Just look at his recent IPL triumph with KKR—many consider it one of the best campaigns in the tournament's history. His decision-making was spot-on, with minimal mistakes, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of T20s. But this leadership potential wasn't born overnight.
Remember his time with the Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils)? He transformed them from a struggling team to consistent qualifiers. Teammates and coaches alike speak highly of his confidence and ability to empower his players. Think back to Rohit's early days as captain; there are some similarities in their leadership styles. Imagine Shreyas replicating that success in ODIs, especially if his batting continues to shine!
Shreyas Iyer tames the bouncer with a flick of his wrist // Picture Courtesy -- @sportstarweb
Shreyas offers a unique opportunity for India to explore split captaincy. He's unlikely to be a regular in Tests or T20Is, allowing him to dedicate his focus entirely to ODIs. This kind of laser focus on one format is a luxury India hasn't had in a long time. Think about it - if Suryakumar, who wouldn't play ODIs, becomes the T20I captain, there wouldn't be any competition or clashes because their roles wouldn't overlap.
Even if Hardik is seen as the future T20I leader, he can concentrate on that format without worrying about ODIs. The added bonus? Shreyas's experience working with Gambhir ensures smooth communication between captains regarding the use of all-format players.
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