“Shreyas will be rewarded for his dazzling performances. His return to the T20 team is as good as done, and he’s officially in contention for ODI captaincy as well!”
This rumor, now renews by Indian Express, could not be truer. Following a brilliant IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer is ready to make it back to India’s T20 team—something that didn’t look possible since his last appearance in December 2023. And that is not all: he’s also become a favorite to win White‑ball captaincy talks, including the much‑coveted One Day International (ODI) captaincy title.
IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer Masterclass
Iyer was the pillar of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, scoring 604 runs in 17 games—his top score being an unbeaten 87 from 41 balls in Qualifier 2 vs Mumbai Indians. With him leading PBKS, they topped the table for the first time in 11 years to reach their first final in 11 years. Although narrowly defeated by RCB by 6 runs, the season highlighted Iyer’s level-headedness under stress.
“It’s a final and we’re going to play it like a final,” he stated confidently before the summit clash .
His captaincy wasn’t just about leading with the bat; it extended to off‑field leadership—disciplining teammates and guiding younger talent—a leadership style reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s cool control and Rohit Sharma’s tactical nous.
National Comeback: T20 & Test on Horizon
Selectors and senior BCCI officials now think it’s impossible to leave out Iyer from T20I and Test contention following his dominance in the IPL. He played the last T20 internationals in December 2023 and Tests in February 2024. But with senior leaders retiring and Virat Kohli opting out of T20Is, doors are opening quickly.
Iyer’s IPL strike-rate of ~180.9 was the best in the tournament. His aggressive chase mindset—”I thrive whenever there is a big total on the board”—indicates he fits the bill for today’s T20 dynamics .
Test Revival?
Though not in the recent English tours, his first-class average (~48) and international Test average (36.8 in 14 tests) stand in favor of his comeback case .
Why Iyer Is the New White-Ball Captaincy Hope
Iyer isn’t merely returning to White‑ball configuration; he’s actually spearheading it. Rohit Sharma presently leads ODIs, and Suryakumar Yadav captains T20Is—but both are closing in on their sunset years in the game. BCCI insiders now feature Iyer in “White‑ball captaincy race” lists.
His captaincy resume speaks for itself:
Reached rare achievement of taking three franchises (Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings) to IPL finals within five years—along with legends like Dhoni and Rohit. Commanded respect—pushing discipline and team responsibility even mid-match. Lauded for leadership both on the field and off: Anand Mahindra quoted Iyer’s composure in crises as daily “Monday motivation”.
Additional Context & Verified Facts
Fact
Details
Central Contract
Reinstated by BCCI (Grade B) in April 2025 after back surgery recovery; top scorer in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign .
Champions Trophy Role
Part of champion India 2025 Champions Trophy side; hit big against Australia in April ODI series .
IPL Mega Auction
Purchased by PBKS for ₹26.75 crore—the second most costly selection ever.
Character & Style
From DB City Mumbai streets to IPL “Sarpanch” skipper, his intensity and trophy hunger are well documented.
What’s Next?
T20I Squad Return: Expected for August 2025 series in Bangladesh (3 ODIs, 3 T20Is) .
ODI Captaincy Bid:Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are the probable candidates, but Iyer is now right in contention. Media sources talk of his official entry.
Test Recall: BCCI can consider him for India’s next Test tournaments based on his first‑class records and form in the IPL.
Last Word
Shreyas Iyer’s season in 2025 is a turning point in itself: form, temperament, ambition, leadership. From IPL Rockstar to top national challenger, he charts a template for contemporary all‑round leadership. Watch BCCI to give him fast‑track inclusion across formats—and maybe make him captain soon.
