Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as India’s T20I captain for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England has sparked debate within cricket circles, with former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar describing the decision as convenient rather than entirely merit based. Iyer, who last played T20I cricket in 2023, will lead the national side for the first time in the shortest format, leapfrogging several candidates with more recent international experience in the process.
Speaking on the Sony Sports Network, Manjrekar expressed surprise at the decision, noting the unusual circumstances of a player moving directly from outside the squad into the captaincy role. He described Iyer as “thoda bohot deserving,” a Hindi phrase meaning only somewhat deserving, suggesting the Punjab Kings skipper benefited from a vacancy in the middle order created by Suryakumar Yadav’s omission. The comments reflect broader questions about succession planning in Indian cricket as the team navigates a transitional phase following the T20 World Cup 2026.
Iyer’s credentials as a leader are not without substance. His record as captain in the Indian Premier League has been consistently strong, and he currently serves as vice captain for India’s ODI side. However, his absence from T20I cricket for nearly three years raises questions about continuity and form assessment at the highest level. Other contenders for the role included Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, both of whom have captaincy experience and have been more actively involved in the T20I setup.
Manjrekar revealed his preferred candidates would have been either pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah or rising star Shubman Gill, neither of whom were ultimately selected. His remarks highlighted what he perceives as a pragmatic rather than visionary approach to leadership appointments in the current era. In earlier times, he noted, captaincy decisions were deliberated over extensively, whereas the current system of appointing format specific leaders has led to more expent choices that prioritize availability and immediate team composition over long term planning.
The former batsman also addressed deeper cultural issues within Indian cricket that complicate selection decisions, particularly regarding elished stars. Without naming individuals, he recounted an instance where an entire selection committee wanted to drop a legendary player but lacked the courage to communicate the decision directly. Such reluctance stems from India’s cricket culture, where iconic players often receive extended tenures based on reputation rather than current form, a contrast to the more ruthlessly merit based approaches seen in Australian and English cricket.
As the Ajit Agarkar led selection committee continues making difficult choices in the buildup to the 2027 ODI World Cup, the focus remains on managing the transitions involving senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Iyer’s appointment, whether viewed as convenient or calculated, represents another step in reshaping India’s leadership structure across formats. How he performs in Ireland will determine whether this surprising elevation proves inspired or premature, and whether the selectors’ faith in his abilities translates into results on the field.
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