The new era begins with a rare record as Shreyas Iyer scripted history on India's captaincy debut

Shreyas Iyer (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer on Friday marked his return to the Indian T20I team in historic fashion as he took charge of the team on his debut as captain in the format after the longest absence from T20Is before leading the team at the international level.When Iyer walked out for the toss in the opening T20I against Ireland in Belfast, he had missed 63 consecutive T20 internationals for India since his previous appearance against Australia in Bengaluru on 3 December 2023. The remarkable streak is the longest of any player before captaining the national team in T20Is for the first time.The 31-year-old overtook New Zealander Tom Latham, who made his T20I captaincy debut after missing 47 consecutive matches between 2017 and 2021. Australia’s Rachel Haynes is third on the list after a 40-match spell between 2013 and 2017.Iyer’s previous T20I appearance was in India’s six-run win over Australia, where he top-scored with a fluent 53 off 37 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes.

Most of the consecutive T20Is were missed by the team before he returned as captain

India’s Shreyas Iyer: 63 (2023–2026)
Tom Latham of New Zealand: 47 (2017–2021)
Australia’s Rachel Haynes: 40 (2013–2017)

The captain’s debut brings further milestonesIyer’s comeback also saw him add two more unique records to his name.At 31 years and 202 days, he became the third oldest player to make his T20I captaincy debut for India, behind Shikhar Dhawan (35 years, 232 days) and Suryakumar Yadav (33 years, 70 days). Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul complete the top five.Oldest at the time of India captain’s T20I debut

35y 232d – Shikhar Dhawan
33 years 70d – Suryakumar Yadav
31 years 202 days – Shreyas Iyer*
30y 234d – Rohit Sharma
30y 143d – KL Rahul

The Mumbai batsman also became the most experienced T20 captain before making his Indian captaincy debut in the format. Before Friday’s match, he led the way in T20 matches with 114 across franchise and domestic cricket, surpassing Rohita Sharma (80), Virat Kohli (72), KL Rahul (42) and Rishabh Pant (30).Leader in most T20s at the time of the India captain’s T20I debut

114 – Shreyas Iyer
80 – Rohit Sharma
72 – Virat Kohli
42 – KL Rahul
30 – Rishabh Pant
21 – Shikhar Dhawan

Iyer won the toss and elected to field first on the unfamiliar surface in Belfast.“We will go on the field first. It is a new surface for us and most of us are playing here for the first time. Considering the conditions, the environment and the goal, we decided to go first,” he said.One of the biggest topics ahead of the match was whether 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would make his international debut and become India’s youngest international cricketer.However, Iyer confirmed that the teenager will have to wait.“Unfortunately not,” he said when asked about Sooryavanshi’s inclusion.The captain explained that the decision was dictated by the balance of the team, while assuring the youngster that his opportunity would come.