3 reasons why Shreyas Iyer succeeding Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain could be the right move

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The Indian cricket team is entering a period of transition as some of its greatest players move towards the end of their careers. With a packed schedule throughout the year, workload management has become a priority and selectors are now open to having different captains for each format. India’s deep pool of talent makes this possible. Current ODI skipper Rohit Sharma is already 38 and may not feature in the World Cup 2027. Fresh reports suggest the BCCI is looking at Shreyas Iyer for a new leadership role in the ODI format. Now let’s look at the three reasons why that could be the right call for Indian team.

1. Proven leadership experience

Iyer has already demonstrated his leadership abilities in the high-stakes environment of the IPL. He guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title in 2024 and was the captain of the Punjab Kings team that finished as runner-up in 2025. This success in a high-pressure, T20 format proves his tactical acumen and his ability to handle big matches. His calm demeanor and strategic decision-making under pressure make him a reliable candidate for the national team’s top job.

2. A scintillating middle-order batter

Beyond his captaincy, Iyer is a formidable force with the bat in ODIs. His statistics in the middle order are impressive, and he has a knack for performing when it matters most. In 70 ODI matches, Iyer has scored 2845 runs with a brilliant average of 48, which also includes 22 half centuries and 5 centuries. His consistent performance and vast experience in the format combined with leadership role would make him a perfect fit to lead the batting lineup.

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3. A long-term investment

Looking ahead, Iyer’s age and experience make him an ideal long-term investment for Indian cricket. With the ODI World Cup 2027 and the Champions Trophy 2029 in mind, building the team around a younger leader like Iyer is a strategic move. He can be groomed over the next few years to take on the immense responsibility of leading a top-tier team in major tournaments, ensuring a seamless and successful transition from the current generation of legends.

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