Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer started his tenure as Team India’s new T20I captain by giving his maiden speech in front of the team. The 31-year-old shared his vision of creating a cohesive and supportive team environment after replacing Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast.
India will take on Ireland in a two-match T20I series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. The first match will be played on Friday, June 26, followed by the second match on Sunday, June 28. BCCI and selectors removed Suryakumar Yadav As T20I captain as part of preparations for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Let’s build a strong culture and play like lions – Shreyas Iyer’s first message as India captain
Speaking to the team before the start of the series, Shreyas Iyer said that his priority is to build a strong team culture. He described it as an honor to lead the national team and asked the players to remain united.
Iyer said, “I just want to say that let’s try and build a solid culture going forward. This is my first opportunity as the captain of the Indian team and definitely an honor and a privilege, as Gauti Bhai mentioned.”
Iyer urged his teammates to support each other in every situation and enjoy their cricket. He described the team as a family and encouraged everyone to play with confidence and fearlessness.
He added, “Moving forward, I just want to build a culture where we’re all protecting each other, supporting each other in good and bad times, and more importantly, when we’re out here playing matches, have as much fun as possible. It’s a great opportunity and it’s a family. Let’s play like lions.”
I’m sure you’re going to do it really well”: Gautam Gambhir congratulates Shreyas Iyer
In the same video, head coach Gautam Gambhir congratulated Shreyas Iyer on becoming the new T20 captain of India. He said that leading the national team is a special honor and expressed confidence that Iyer would be successful both on and off the field.
Gautam Gambhir said, “Starting this tour, I would like to congratulate Shreyas on being appointed captain. It is an honor to be in that position and I am sure you will do very well not only on the field but also off the field.”
Iyer already serves as India’s ODI vice-captain and has previously held the T20I vice-captaincy during the home series against Australia in 2023. He also has strong leadership experience, having captained Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in the IPL.
The Ireland series marks Shreyas Iyer’s return to T20I cricket after more than two and a half years. The right-handed batsman last played a T20 match against Australia in December 2023 and will now return as the new captain of India.
Iyer made his T20I debut against New Zealand in Delhi in November 2017 and has represented India in 51 matches. He has scored 1,104 runs in 47 innings at an average of 30.66 and strike rate of 136.12.
The 31-year-old has recorded eight half-centuries in T20I cricket, with his highest score being 74 not out against Sri Lanka in 2022. As captain, Iyer will aim to make an immediate impact with the bat and lead India to a strong start in Belfast.
