“Very happy for Shreyas”: Surya reacts to Iyer replacing him as India T20I captain

Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav congratulated Shreyas Iyer after the latter was named India’s new T20I skipper, marking a significant leadership change in Indian cricket. The two shared a brief but cordial moment at the T20 Mumbai League fixture, where Surya expressed pride in Mumbai cricketers continuing to lead the national side. Leadership Transition Announced in Mumbai The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as India’s T20I captain on Saturday, with the announcement made by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai. Surya, who had recently led India to a T20 World Cup triumph, acknowledged the change positively and highlighted the significance of successive Mumbai-based captains leading India’s T20 side. “As you said, so many things happening, but obviously very, very, very happy for Shreyas,” Surya said. “We played a lot of cricket together in Bombay… it’s a very proud moment, and everyone needs to celebrate that.” Iyer’s Rise and Leadership Credentials Shreyas Iyer returns to a major leadership role in international cricket despite not playing a T20I since December 2023. However, his domestic and franchise captaincy record has strengthened his profile, including leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024 and guiding Punjab Kings to the final in 2025. He also holds the position of ODI vice-captain, reflecting his growing importance in India’s leadership structure. Rohit Sharma on the Transition Former India captain Rohit Sharma also reacted to the development, praising both players and highlighting the importance of leadership experience gained in Mumbai cricket. He noted that Iyer’s recent IPL captaincy success would help him adapt to the international role, while also lauding Surya’s tenure as India’s T20I skipper, which included India’s T20 World Cup victory earlier this year. “Captaincy is something that you have to earn and earn the respect of people around you,” Rohit said, adding that both players had done so through consistent performances and leadership growth. A Changing Era in India’s T20 Leadership The transition marks a notable shift in India’s T20I leadership group, with Mumbai-produced cricketers continuing to play a central role in shaping the national team’s direction. While Surya’s tenure is remembered for its success on the global stage, Iyer’s appointment signals a new phase built on domestic leadership experience and recent IPL success.