Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has highlighted how the Indian Premier League has reshaped the way national selectors identify future leaders, with Shreyas Iyer emerging as the latest example of that shift. Iyer’s rise to India’s T20I captaincy has been built on a series of impressive IPL stints, where he has repeatedly shown the calmness, tactical awareness and authority required to lead at the highest level.
The right-hander guided Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and then took Punjab Kings all the way to the final in 2025. Before that, he had already taken Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2020 final, further strengthening his reputation as one of the most dependable leaders in Indian cricket. Those performances clearly left a strong impression on the selectors, who have now entrusted him with the T20I captaincy as India begin a new cycle on their tour of Ireland.
Speaking recently about the IPL’s influence on Indian cricket, Manjrekar said the tournament has become the biggest proving ground for players who aspire to lead the country. In his view, it is no longer just about runs and wickets. Captaincy, decision-making and the ability to handle pressure in front of packed stadiums now matter just as much.
ALSO READ: ‘Where Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?’ Fans React After India Delays His Debut
Manjrekar pointed out that the IPL has given selectors a much clearer window into a player’s leadership qualities than earlier eras ever could. Before the league existed, it was far harder to judge whether a cricketer had the temperament to succeed as a captain. Now, each season provides a high-pressure test that reveals who can manage combinations, respond under pressure and deliver results.
“Nowadays, everything that is happening in Indian cricket is the IPL effect,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Sony LIV. “The T20 team and the IPL are both T20 formats, so the connection is understandable.”
ALSO READ: Shree Charani Keeps India’s World Cup Goal Above Personal Milestones
India’s new T20 era officially began in Belfast on Friday, June 26, when Shreyas Iyer led the side for the first time against Ireland after the 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. India won the toss and chose to bowl first, marking the start of a fresh leadership chapter. Ahead of the match, much of the spotlight was on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with many expecting the teenage sensation to become India’s youngest international cricketer. However, the debut had to wait as India stayed with the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, while Ishan Kishan retained his place at No. 3.
