Shreyas Iyer’s rise has reached another major milestone, with the BCCI naming him India’s T20I captain for the tour of Ireland and England as well as for the Asian Games 2026. The appointment marks a significant shift in India’s leadership group, with ODI vice-captain Iyer taking over from Mumbai Ranji teammate Suryakumar Yadav, who has stepped down after leading India to the T20 World Cup 2026 title.
Iyer’s captaincy record in the IPL has already made him one of the most respected leaders in Indian cricket. He remains the only skipper in IPL history to have taken three different franchises to the final. While he fell short with the Delhi Capitals in 2020 and the Punjab Kings in 2025, he delivered glory for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. Since joining the Punjab Kings, he has also transformed himself into a batter, adding more maturity and control to his game.
Following Iyer’s promotion, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia shared his reaction for the first time, expressing immense pride in the batter’s achievement. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Wadia said he was delighted not only for Iyer but also for the family and supporters who have stood behind him throughout his journey. “I’m sure Shreyas Iyer will make all of us proud,” the franchise co-owner told Cricbuzz.
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“I think it’s the first time. I’m so proud of him and it’s very well deserved. I’m just so happy for his family – his mother, father, sister and all those people who have supported him through the years. I’ve only had the privilege of knowing him for a year and a half, and I’m so happy that I met him. He’s a wonderful person.”
Wadia also praised the significance of the moment for Iyer’s loved ones, saying the honour of leading India is one that reflects years of sacrifice and belief from those closest to him.
“This moment is especially important for the people who have been around him for so many years. I’m so happy for them, and congratulations to them as well,” he said. “I’m sure that Shreyas will lead India with distinction. There’s no bigger honour than leading your country, right? I’m sure he’ll make India very proud, and make all of us proud as well.”
Recounting his first meeting with Iyer in Dharamsala ahead of IPL 2025, Wadia revealed that he had predicted India captaincy for the stylish right-hander long before the appointment became reality.
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“Our first meeting was a brief one, at my house for about an hour before the Dharamsala camp last year, ahead of IPL 2025,” Ness Wadia recalled. “Within 15 minutes I turned around to him and said, ‘You know, you’re going to be India captain one day.’ And I said, ‘When you become captain, remember who told you.’ He looked at me a little surprised and smiled. He said, ‘No, no, no.'”
With India now turning a fresh page in white-ball leadership, Shreyas Iyer enters the role with strong backing, proven credentials and growing responsibility.
