'India’s loss, not Iyer’s': Ashwin endorses Shreyas Iyer as next contender for India's T20I leadership
TL;DR
Shreyas Iyer is being endorsed by Ravichandran Ashwin as a strong candidate for India's T20I leadership after his impressive performance in the IPL. Iyer scored 66 runs off 35 balls, leading Punjab Kings to a significant victory over Mumbai Indians.
Key points
- Shreyas Iyer scored 66 runs off 35 balls against Mumbai Indians.
- Ravichandran Ashwin supports Iyer for T20I leadership.
- Punjab Kings have won 9 of their last 11 matches while chasing.
Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer continues to strengthen his case as a future contendor of India’s T20I side, with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin throwing his weight firmly behind the in-form batter.
Iyer led from the front once again, producing a match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. His 66 off just 35 balls marked his third consecutive half-century this season and played a decisive role in Punjab Kings’ emphatic chase. Punjab Kings have emerged as one of the most dangerous chasing sides in the IPL. Their latest win over Mumbai not only sealed their third consecutive victory against the five-time champions but also highlighted a remarkable trend, PBKS have now won 9 out of their last 11 matches while chasing since the 2025 season.
Chasing a competitive 196, Punjab made it look effortless. Iyer stitched together a commanding 139-run partnership with Prabhsimran Singh, who remained unbeaten on 80 off 39 balls. The duo dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack, guiding the team home with 21 balls to spare.
All-Round Impact from Iyer
Iyer’s influence wasn’t limited to his batting. Earlier in the match, he produced a stunning acrobatic effort at long-on to dismiss Hardik Pandya. Timing his leap to perfection, Iyer caught the ball mid-air and flicked it back to teammate Xavier Bartlett before crossing the boundary rope, a moment of brilliance that shifted momentum in Punjab’s favour.
With this innings, Iyer also crossed the milestone of 500 career IPL runs against Mumbai Indians, underlining his consistency against one of the league’s most successful teams.
Ashwin’s Strong Endorsement
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin didn’t hold back in his praise for Iyer’s leadership and performances.
“Even after doing all these things, if Shreyas Iyer doesn’t come in India’s leadership scheme, then it’s their loss, not Shreyas’s.”
Ashwin’s remarks come at a time when discussions around India’s T20 leadership are gaining momentum, and Iyer’s name is increasingly entering that conversation.
A Proven Leader Across Franchises
Iyer’s captaincy is already impressive. He remains the only player in IPL history to lead three different franchises to a final, guiding Delhi Capitals to their maiden final in 2020, winning the title with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and taking Punjab Kings to the final in 2025 after a 14-year wait.
Q&A
Why is Shreyas Iyer considered a contender for India's T20I captaincy?
Shreyas Iyer is seen as a contender for India's T20I captaincy due to his consistent performances, including three consecutive half-centuries in the IPL, and strong leadership qualities demonstrated while captaining Punjab Kings.
What was Shreyas Iyer's performance against Mumbai Indians?
In the match against Mumbai Indians, Shreyas Iyer scored 66 runs off 35 balls, contributing significantly to Punjab Kings' victory.
How has Punjab Kings performed in recent IPL matches?
Punjab Kings have won 9 out of their last 11 matches while chasing since the 2025 season, showcasing their strength as a formidable chasing side.
