Shreyas Iyer is making a compelling case for India’s T20 team and captaincy with his outstanding IPL 2026 performances. After being snubbed despite a phenomenal 2025 season—604 runs in 17 innings at 175 strike rate—he’s back with a vengeance. In six matches for Punjab Kings, he’s scored 208 runs at 182 strike rate, firing three half-centuries and steering his team to an unbeaten run.
What sets Iyer apart is his chase mastery. From IPL 2024 onwards, he’s excelled in 14 run-chases, amassing 621 runs at 173 strike rate including seven fifties. This reliability when it matters most highlights his big-match temperament. His ODI exploits in 2025, with 496 runs at an average of 89 and five half-centuries in 11 matches, showed selectors his class, yet T20 doors remained shut, even after India’s 2026 World Cup win without him.
Leadership is where Iyer truly shines. Taking Punjab to the IPL 2025 final and keeping them undefeated in 2026’s first six games, he’s impressing global stars and experts alike. With Suryakumar Yadav’s form dipping, Iyer tops the list for next T20 captain. His ability to deliver match-winning knocks from tough spots underscores his all-round credentials.
Iyer’s journey reflects persistence in cricket’s cutthroat world. No longer content with ODI success, he’s gunning for T20 glory. As Punjab dominates, expect selectors to reconsider—his form demands inclusion and a leadership shot.
