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With Rohit Sharma nearing the twilight of his international career, speculation about India’s next captain has intensified. Having already stepped away from T20Is and with his Test captaincy under scrutiny after India’s struggles against Australia and New Zealand, Rohit’s leadership future in ODIs is also uncertain. However, he recently guided India to an emphatic ICC Champions Trophy victory, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to lead in high-pressure situations.
AB de Villiers names strong contender for Team India’s captaincy
Amidst this ongoing debate, a fan asked former South African cricketer AB de Villiers during a YouTube interaction whether Shreyas Iyer could be the rightful successor to Rohit.
Responding to the fan’s question, AB de Villiers acknowledged Iyer’s leadership credentials and rated him as a serious candidate to lead India in the future. “Absolutely, why not? There are a few other contenders like Shubman Gill, but Shreyas has certainly put up his hand. He has a very successful captaincy record, having won the IPL not long ago. Now, he finds himself at a new franchise as captain and has started well, both with the bat and as a leader,” De Villiers said.
ABD further elaborated on the challenges of leading the Indian cricket team, emphasizing that captaincy is more than just individual performances. “It’s up to the selectors to decide who is the best person for the job. A captain has to handle different pressures, manage players from diverse backgrounds, and bring them together in unison. Cultural differences, mindset variations, and playing styles need to be accounted for at the national level,” De Villiers concluded.
Despite these complexities, ABD believes Iyer is a strong candidate for the role, given his proven leadership abilities and consistency with the bat.
Also READ: Not Shubman Gill! Anil Kumble picks India’s next ODI captain after Rohit Sharma
Sensational form and tactical brilliance in IPL 2025
Iyer has seamlessly transitioned his stellar form from the ICC Champions Trophy into Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the global tournament and carried that momentum into his Punjab Kings (PBKS) captaincy debut. His leadership and batting prowess were on full display as he played a match-winning knock of 97 not out off just 42 balls, marking his career-best IPL performance.
What set Iyer apart wasn’t just his explosive batting but also his shrewd captaincy. He made critical impact player substitutions and strategic bowling changes, proving his sharp cricketing mind. Under his guidance, Punjab secured a commanding win, setting the tone for their IPL campaign.
Iyer hasn’t featured in India’s T20I setup since November 2023, but if his performances in domestic T20 tournaments and IPL are anything to go by, a comeback is on the horizon. His consistency, leadership skills, and ability to handle pressure make him a prime candidate not only for a return to India’s T20I squad but also for a potential future captaincy role. If he continues to deliver match-winning performances, the selectors may soon view him as the frontrunner to succeed Rohit as India’s next captain.
