When Indian troops were announced for the Australian tour, the subtitles dominated the appointment of SHUBMAN GILL as Captain and Rohit Sharma, who entered into an insignificant role. The return of Virata Kohli to the ODI team created his usual buzz, followed by questions about the workload of Jasprit Bumurah and speculation on the timeless return of Hardik Pandy.
All of these were undeniably intelligence, but one significant development slipped quietly under the radar: Shreyas Iyer was appointed more captain of the ODI-KROK team, which many believe have long been delayed. Former Spinner Harbhajan Singh was among those who welcomed the decision, and called Shreyas one of the few players who constantly add, but rarely get the credit they deserve.
Harbhajan described Shreyas as “an impact player” – someone who can mitigate the team’s pressure and influence games without theater, the kind of player he would want to be next to them.
“I’m very happy for Shreyas Iyer,” said Harbhajan Jiohotstar.
“It’s one of those guys who can hardly get the credit they deserve. We’re talking about the World Championship in India-the back of the century and at what pace! It’s the player’s impact; when it goes, it’s easy for dressing rooms and other dough, how it is and how it is on the table and how it is. And it is and how AA how it comes to, how and how and how and how and how it is, how and how it is, and is that it is and how and how and how and how and how and how and how it is and how and how and how.
From the edges to the leading role
For years, Shreyas has been one of the most reliable ODI Indian artists, but it has always seemed to be on the edge that he is postponed – a reliable figure that somehow remained outside the main narrative of the Indian cricket.
The shift began with a test tour in England in 2024, when immersion in the form led to the fact that Shreyas was dropped from the team. The strike was complicated when BCCI canceled its central contract and quoted its lack of participation in the domestic cricket. It was a rough news. But the bomber dough responded in the only way she knew – through performance. He led Kolkata Knight to the IPL 2024, the second team that took the final in his career after Delhi Capitals.
Yet recognition did not come easily. Krk let him go and Shreyas entered the IPL auction again. This time Kings Panjab picked him up for big money – the team was seen for a long time as underlines in the history of the tournament. Under his leadership, they reached the final and continued the formula: Wherever Shreyas goes, the results follow.
Shreyas Iyer’s action spitting his chewing rubber after hit winning six against the Indians in Mumbai will be considered one of the coldest moments in the history of IPL
It was the most frightening reaction I’ve ever seen pic.twitter.com/icb2ejti1g– Ajith Kumar (@ajithey96) October 5, 2025
His numbers in this campaign were stunning. 604 runs an average of 50.33 and a strike 175.07 – statistics that would make a convincing case for selection on any side of the T20i. But with Shreyas, things are rarely simple.
Despite his Star Season IPL, he was omitted from the Asia Cup 2025 – not only XI playing, but completely missing, even in reserves. At one point, it seemed that his place was at risk. At the revealing moment during the ODI series against England just before the Trophy Champions, Shreyas admitted that he got the game only in the first match due to the injury of Virt Kohl at the last minute.
But Shreyas never made noise about it. He simply did what he had always done – perform. In the Champions Trophy trophy, he ended up as the best Indian shooter and collected 243 runs in five matches. While applause often remained out of reach, Shreyas built his case on the back of a solid, consistent power.
Last time in India-A vs the Australia-A-series the captain of the captain with peace and intention, in the first match he recorded a hundred and watched it with a decisive half-century. Over the years, its presence with normal fibers in teams that succeed – and now it seems that the credit has been catching up with posts.
Tactical adaptation, not just an emotional reward
Now that an emotional narrative has been solved, what does the appointment of Shreyas Iyera mean tactically for the ODI Indian team?
Shreyas occupies one of the most critical positions in Indian tabs – no. 4 slot – position that has been troubled by the team for years. During the ODI World Cup 2023 brought balance and reliability to this place and accumulated 530 runs in 11 matches at a strike of 113.24. Its aggressive, but calculated style allowed India to publish impressive sums and provided a respiratory room for a lower order weakening the absence of an injury to Hardika Pandya.
On No. 4 Shreyas scored 1,821 runs in 41 matches on average 52.02 – elite numbers in this format and role.
Its importance will grow only during the Australian tour and in future tasks, especially with limited opportunities to prepare for the next ODI World Cup. Its presence of Vice-Captan also offers the new captain SHUBMAN GILL SAFETY-NOCKO, who has experience with leadership and tactical discharge to help drive the team, especially on days when Stalwarts as Rohit Sharma or Virt Kohli do not have to fire.
Add his field – Shreyas is easily one of the best in the group – and his captain’s IPL experience and the decision to promote its meaning will make sense outside the sentiment.
Players
One of the Standout aspects of Shreyas management is the way it supports its players. His belief in young talent and his peace under pressure has become the definition of the characteristics of his captain.
A great example came in the IPL 2024 when Shreyas supported a young and relatively inexperienced rug to get to the finals in a tense surface against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The decision could go in two way – but it showed the trust, faith and willingness to seize those who are under his accusation.
The same thinking brought him respect in the dressing room. SHASHANK SINGH, who played under him in Punjab Kings, offered shining praise:
“Shreyas is a great captain. The way bat leads and gives us freedom to express ourselves is why it evaluates it very highly as a captain. His performances have changed our culture. We are on the chart, and although we were better in the finals.
With Shreyas as Vice-Capital, part of the load in the field is raised from Gill. Thirty -year -old is now a fixed part of ODI settings and can act as a permanent hand during pressure moments, and make sure Gill is not very thin and tries to do everything at once.
Recognition, finally
Now that Shreyas has finally received official recognition, there is a feeling that the weight has been raised. Vice-Capital is not just a title-it is a recognition of years of silent consistency, resistance to the face of neglect and guidance that is shown without being interviewed.
He always worn as a leader. Now he has a title that matches.
– ends
Published:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
October 7, 2025
