Impressed by Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Vijaykumar Vyshak has endorsed him as the future Indian captain. The PBKS pacer praised Iyer’s composure under pressure and growing authority during the IPL, adding that his impact goes beyond on-field tactics, with his presence in the dressing room further strengthening his case for national leadership.
Iyer’s consistent performances in the Indian Premier League and on the domestic circuit have already earned him that vice-captain’s role in India’s ODI set-up.
“I think he is someone who has always supported his bowlers and players. It doesn’t matter whether you have done well or not, that is something very important for a bowler,” Vyshak told India Today during a roundtable press meet. “He has done exceptionally well in this format and played for India. I am sure he will be India’s captain soon.”
Vyshak’s comments come against the backdrop of Iyer’s rising stature in Indian cricket, where his leadership has bolstered success in multiple franchises and domestic teams along with increased responsibilities in the national set-up.
“He’s someone who keeps the environment very light. He talks to all the players the same way, whether it’s Ricky Ponting, me or whoever. That’s something that made us more comfortable. I can talk to him anytime. I mean, his door is always open. He doesn’t lock the door,” he explained.
IYER USES AS CAPTAIN
Led by multiple world champion former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings to the final IPL last season, a feat the franchise has not managed in over a decade. Prior to that, Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 while also leading Delhi Capitals to their first final in 2020. Additionally, he captained Mumbai to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy success in 2024.
Based on his domestic performances and following the management’s decision to step aside Rohit Sharma and promote his deputy Shubman Gill to the role of captain following the Champions Trophy triumph, Iyer was named vice-captain of the Indian ODI side in 2025.
In fact, Iyer was supposed to lead India during South Africa’s 2025 tour of India in Gill’s absence. However, a left ribcage injury sustained during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney when he took a spectacular catch to dismiss Alex Carey ruled him out of what would have been his first assignment as India captain.
Importantly, the Mumbai batsman did not let his captaincy duties affect his contributions with the bat. Last season, he top-scored for Punjab Kings with 604 runs at an average of 50.33, while also scoring 351 runs in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL-winning campaign in 2024. For Delhi Capitals during their run to the finals in 2020, Iyer amassed 519 runs.
Shreyas Iyer as captain for 3 different teams:
2019 – Took them to the playoffs for the first time in 7 seasons.
2020 – Led DC to first Finals in 13 seasons.
2024 – Won KKR their first trophy in 10 seasons.
2025 – PBKS advanced to the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons.
pic.twitter.com/ZfQpJAEGEE— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 3, 2026
VYŠAK’S INDIA ASPIRATIONS
With strong support from both his IPL franchise and the Karnataka state team, Vyshak has evolved significantly as a bowler, adding new variations and honing his skills. His effectiveness at the death is something that the Punjab Kings have relied on more and more this season.
“I really think whatever you practice and do right will reflect in your performances,” added Vyshak while talking about his progress in the ongoing IPL season.
He also owed his development to the support system within the Karnataka State Cricket Association. Despite the team’s underachieving domestic season this year, Vyshak believes the experience has been a major factor in his growth.
“Luckily, I have some nice coaches at home. I also draw inspiration from my seniors from Karnataka who have done really well, so I always talk to them whenever I have doubts,” he said. “Even though we didn’t qualify for the domestic season, I gained a lot of confidence and did what I had to do.
He now aims to maintain consistency, break into the Indian side and eventually earn a place in the Test team. Notably, after just two matches in the IPL 2026 season, the fast bowler has already equaled his last season’s haul of five scalps.
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Published on:
06 Apr 2026 05:54 IST
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