Shreyas iyer: Shreyas Iyer became the new captain of T20 on the recommendation of the legend who won 2 World Cups! Why did the selectors play the gamble, know?

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 8, 2026

There was a big change regarding T20 captaincy in Indian cricket. Shreyas Iyer was made the new captain of India’s T20 team. After this decision, reactions are coming continuously from the cricket world. Meanwhile, former Australian captain and veteran batsman Ricky Ponting said a big thing about Iyer’s captaincy. Ponting believes that Shreyas Iyer is fully prepared for this responsibility and would have the strength to take the Indian team forward. Ricky Ponting himself has made Australia win the 2003 and 2007 ODI World Cup as captain.

The relationship between Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer is very old. Ponting had previously worked with Iyer at Delhi Capitals and was also associated with him at Punjab Kings for the last two seasons. In such a situation, he has seen Iyer’s captaincy and personality very closely.

Shreyas has proved himself in the last few years: Ponting
Ponting said that the way Iyer has proved himself in the last three-four years, he fully deserves this honour. He reminded that Iyer had led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title. After this, he took Punjab Kings to the finals and led the team brilliantly in this season too, even though in the end the team missed a place in the playoffs.

‘Iyer’s biggest strength is his attitude’
According to the Australian legend, Iyer’s biggest strength is his attitude. Many times he did not get many opportunities in the Indian team, but he never complained. Instead, he continued to work hard and improve his game. Ponting believes that today’s Shreyas Iyer is a much more mature and better cricketer than the player he was four-five years ago.

Ponting revealed that he himself had recommended Iyer’s name to the Indian selectors. He said that if Iyer is given a chance to captain, the selectors will not be disappointed. According to him, Iyer has now become a better captain, a better leader and a more balanced person than ever before.

The coach of Punjab Kings also said that there are many big and experienced players in the Indian team. Getting captaincy in such an environment is a big achievement in itself. This is a reward for Iyer’s hard work, performance and leadership abilities. Ponting is confident that Shreyas Iyer will give a new direction to the Indian T20 team. According to him, Iyer has consistently proved his leadership abilities in the IPL and now he can repeat the same success at the international level.