‘Gill had better credentials than Shreyas Iyer’: Sanjay Manjrekar explains why Shubman lost T20 captaincy

File Pic: Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes Shubman Gill had stronger cricketing credentials than Shreyas Iyer to become India’s next T20I captain, but feels the Gujarat Titans skipper lost out due to difficulties in his inclusion in the playing XI.The former batsman’s remarks came shortly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced Iyer as India’s new T20 captain for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, ending Suryakumar Yadav’s tenure just months after leading India to the T20 World Cup title.Manjrekar acknowledged Iyer’s leadership qualities and impressive work but said he would prefer Gill as India’s long-term option.

‘Gill had better credentials’

Speaking to Sony Sports Network, Manjrekar said that the selectors should ideally pick someone who is guaranteed a place in the side and felt that Gill fit the bill better.“Shreyas Iyer is a very interesting pick. He hasn’t been able to get a place in the T20 squad for the last couple of months. But now, straight away, the Indian T20 captain. When you pick a player or make him captain or vice-captain, you also have to make sure that player fits into the squad and has a confirmed spot in the squad because I think Ghubill is where Ghubill is.” he has better credentials than Shreyas Iyer to be India’s long-term T20 captain,” Manjrekar said.He pointed to the changing nature of India’s assignments, with the next T20 World Cup being held in Australia and New Zealand.“The T20s will now be played outside India and eventually the World Cup will be in Australia and New Zealand. I believe Gill was better suited to take on this responsibility,” he added.

Why Shubman Gill left out

Despite Gill’s support, Manjrekar believes the opener’s position at the top of the order has actually weakened his case.With the established openers already in place and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as another option, fitting Gill into the side became complicated. This, according to Manjrekar, has shifted voters towards Iyer, who occupies the middle order and offers more balance.“They were looking for a captain who could fit into their playing eleven. Since Gill is an opening batsman, he lost out for that opportunity or appointment, but his time is not too far,” Manjrekar said.

Manjrekar praises Shreyas Iyer’s comeback

The former India batsman also highlighted Iyer’s remarkable resurgence in the last two years. After being dropped from the BCCI’s central contract list in 2024 due to concerns over his commitment to domestic cricket, Iyer has rebuilt his career with strong performances for Mumbai, India and in the IPL.Manjrekar said the 31-year-old responded brilliantly to adversity and had the numbers, leadership pedigree and performances to justify the selectors’ faith.“If you look at Shreyas Iyer, he has the numbers. He has the leadership and the performance,” Manjrekar said.However, in terms of pure cricketing ability and long-term suitability, Manjrekar’s vote remained with Gill, who insisted that the young opener’s opportunity to lead India in T20 cricket could have been delayed rather than denied.