Shreyas Iyer Says India T20I Captaincy Came as ‘No Surprise’ Ahead of England Series

India’s newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has revealed that taking charge of the national team did not come as a surprise, insisting he always believed the opportunity would arrive after his consistent leadership performances in recent years.

Speaking to BCCI.TV ahead of India’s five-match T20I series against England, Iyer said his appointment was the result of sustained hard work and success in domestic and franchise cricket.

“Honestly speaking, it’s not outlandish. I was expecting it at some point of time. I have done brilliant in the previous IPL tournaments, whenever I have represented the country. So, it did not come to me as a surprise,” Iyer said.

The 31-year-old replaced T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav after the IPL 2026 season and was also named India’s captain for the upcoming Asian Games. Reports had suggested Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma were also in contention before the selectors handed the responsibility to Iyer.

Despite not featuring regularly in India’s T20I setup over the past three years, Iyer strengthened his credentials by leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title before guiding Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in over a decade in 2025. Across the last two IPL seasons, he amassed 992 runs at a strike rate exceeding 145 while earning widespread praise for his leadership.

“I feel it’s a great opportunity for me to learn from everyone around who has been part of the T20 World Cup-winning squad, the team management, support staff and also a few individuals who have played,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer Embracing Pressure Despite Ireland Setback

Iyer’s tenure as India’s T20I captain began on a disappointing note, with India suffering a historic 2-0 series defeat to Ireland—their first-ever bilateral T20I series loss against the Irish and their first T20I series defeat in more than three years.

However, the skipper remains unfazed and believes pressure brings out the best in him as India prepare to face England.

“Relentless, ruthless and determined. No pressure, but at the same time, it’s going to be challenging. All I want to do is embrace the challenge.”

“I want it to be challenging, because I thrive under pressure,” Iyer said.

India will begin the five-match T20I series against England at Chester-le-Street before travelling to Manchester for the second match, with Iyer aiming to secure his first series victory as India’s full-time T20I captain.