Photo Credit: BCCI
In what could be a major shift in Indian cricket’s leadership structure, middle-order batter and IPL 2025 sensation Shreyas Iyer has reportedly emerged as a top contender to take over from Rohit Sharma as India’s next ODI captain.
According to recent media reports, Iyer’s consistent performances across formats and his commanding presence as Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper in the 2025 IPL season have caught the attention of selectors and the BCCI think tank. He is now “officially” in the fray to lead India’s white-ball side, with insiders suggesting that his name has been discussed for a long-term leadership role post the Rohit Sharma era.
IPL 2025: A Game-Changer for Iyer
Iyer led PBKS to the IPL 2025 final, their first in over a decade, and finished the season with 604 runs in 17 matches—one of the top scorers in the league. His standout innings included an unbeaten 87 in the Qualifier, a knock that cemented his image as a pressure-absorbing anchor and a composed leader.
This turnaround in PBKS’s fortunes under Iyer’s captaincy—after years of underperformance—has dramatically improved his leadership stock. Notably, Iyer also won the IPL 2024 title with KKR, making it to back-to-back finals as a captain.
Time Ripe for a White-Ball Transition?
With Rohit Sharma having already stepped down from T20I and Test captaincy, speculation is rife that the ODI baton may soon pass on as well. Rohit led India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and remains one of India’s most successful captains. However, at 38, retirement talks are natural—and Iyer seems to be the most eligible successor.
The current leadership structure sees Shubman Gill leading Tests and Suryakumar Yadav captaining the T20I side. However, with India eyeing a more stable white-ball leadership structure ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, Iyer’s name is being increasingly floated as the one-stop solution.
A Proven Performer Across Formats
Iyer’s ODI numbers speak for themselves: over 2,000 runs, five centuries, and an average close to 47. Though left out of the recent Test squads, selectors reportedly view him as an asset in white-ball formats.
Cricket pundits argue that Iyer’s calm demeanor, tactical mind, and ability to bat under pressure make him a solid fit for the ODI leadership role. Reports suggest that internal BCCI discussions have already elevated his name in the pecking order for future captaincy responsibilities.
What Lies Ahead?
India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh in August 2025 could be a testing ground. If Iyer is named captain—or even vice-captain—for the ODI leg of that tour, it would be a strong signal of the board’s long-term plans.
Fans and analysts alike believe Iyer is no longer just a backup option but a front-runner, especially given the inconsistency of other contenders like KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant in recent months.
