“Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa has expressed support for Shreyas Iyer to assume the mantle of Indian captaincy following his leadership in guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the IPL 2024 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Iyer exhibited composed demeanor and keen tactical acumen throughout the season, effectively managing his team’s resources and deploying his bowlers adeptly during crucial moments. Additionally, the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir proved instrumental in Iyer’s development and success in his leadership role.”
“In his second stint as captain for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shreyas Iyer had previously led the team during the 2022 edition, resulting in a seventh-place finish. However, he missed the subsequent IPL season due to a back injury. Upon his return, the Kolkata-based franchise reappointed him as captain, reinstating him to his leadership position. Meanwhile, Nitish Rana, who served as the interim captain in 2023, resumed his role as Iyer’s deputy for the current season.”
Uthappa confidently stated that following the IPL victory, Shreyas Iyer has surged forward in the race for the next captaincy role in the Indian cricket team, placing him ahead of the promising young batsman, Shubman Gill. Uthappa expressed his belief, declaring, “Let me make it clear. He’s destined to lead India in the future. I believe he’s the frontrunner, perhaps even surpassing Shubman Gill. He possesses the necessary leadership qualities and resilience to guide a team. This season, he has undoubtedly gained invaluable experience and knowledge. It’s important to note that he had the privilege of working alongside strong personalities such as Gautam Gambhir, Chandrkant Pandit, and Abhishek Nayar.” Uthappa shared his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy during an interview with JioCinema.