Shreyas Iyer will be one of India’s best captains: sister Shrestha supports brother

Shreyas Iyer’s rocky start as India’s T20I captain has found a staunch defender in his sister Shrestha, who believes the batsman is destined to become one of the country’s best leaders despite a rocky start to his tenure.

India slumped to a fifth successive T20I without a win after a crushing 125-run defeat by England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. This is the first time in India’s T20I history that a team has gone five consecutive matches without registering a win. The run includes a 2-0 series loss to Ireland in Belfast, followed by defeats in the opening two completed T20Is against England.

Amidst the criticism, Shrestha rallied behind her brother and insisted that every great cricketer has endured tough phases.

“There is Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli is a legend, Rohit Sharma is a legend and Sachin Tendulkar is a legend and even they all lost a lot of matches,” Shrestha said in an interview with Filmygyan.

Why is Shreyas Iyer’s sister using the names of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Sachin to defend her brother? Shubman Gill won 4/5 T20Is in his first series as captain, drew 2-2 in England in his second series, won 2-0 against West Indies in his third series as pic.twitter.com/yDiKy74Jvt— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) July 8, 2026

His time is coming: Shrestha predicts captaincy greatness

Urging fans and critics not to single out Iyer for India’s performances, Shrestha said the team’s poor run should not define his leadership.

“But if you keep calling Shreyas Iyer, then maybe the problem is with you, not him. I feel he’s amazing. Overall, he has a very distinct personality and I think he has a lot to offer, probably more than anyone else. I know he has so much to give,” she said.

She went a step further when she predicted that the current rough patch would eventually give way to a successful career as a captain.

“And that time will come very soon, touch wood, touch wood. Very soon people will say that Shreyas Iyer is one of the best Indian captains. I really believe he is there. In fact, I think it is already happening,” Shrestha added.

The faith from his family comes at a time when Iyer is under increasing scrutiny. India were stunned 2-0 by Ireland in his first assignment as captain before suffering defeats in England’s ongoing series, including a record defeat at Trent Bridge.

The heavy loss in Nottingham also extended Iyer’s wait for his first win as India’s full-time T20I captain. The 31-year-old admits his team played “horribly” cricket after being bowled out for just 76 while chasing 202, India’s biggest defeat by runs in T20Is.

With two matches remaining in England, Iyer will be desperate to end India’s unprecedented winless streak and silence his critics with his first win as the national T20I captain.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

9 Jul 2026 12:30 PM IST