Shreyas Iyer has quickly proved that he is not just a star batsman but also a born leader. Recently appointed India ODI captain Shreyas Iyer has already left a huge mark in the IPL. He is the first captain to lead three different franchises to the IPL final.
Under the captaincy of the Mumbaikar, Punjab Kings (PBKS) reached the IPL final for the first time since 2014 and his leadership has become the talking point in the cricket world. Earlier this month, Shubman Gill was named India’s new ODI captain and Iyer as the vice-captain.
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Well, it will be interesting to see how things will unfold in India’s ODI team, as head coach Gautam Gambhir and Iyer are different characters even though both have worked together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and won IPL 2024. At that time, Gambhir was the mentor of KKR.
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While serious authority demands fierce passion and incredible discipline, Iyer tolerates no nonsense and is forthright and disciplined. However, they both are firm decision makers with clean communication and zero tolerance for complacency.
Ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and Australia starting October 19 in Perth, Punjab Kings batsman Shashank Singh is in awe of Iyer’s approach on and off the field.
Shreyas Iyer has a unique aura and an unwavering mindset that commands respect, he said, adding that he runs the team with clarity, purpose, focus and discipline.
Will not speak nonsense, will not tolerate nonsense: Shashank Singh on Shreyas Iyer
He also called Shreyas Iyer the best captain he has ever played for. He credited Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting for PBKS’s success this year. However, they lost the trophy to RCB.
ESPN Cricinfo quoted Shashank Singh as saying, “Shreyas is on a different level altogether. He has his own aura, a different mentality. Won’t talk nonsense, won’t tolerate nonsense. When he bats in the nets, he knows what he is doing. If someone asks me, ‘Who is the best captain you have played under?’ Keep your hands down, Shreyas Iyer.”
He praised Ricky Ponting for simplifying the complexities of cricket for the players. Shashank said, “Ricky sir has made the game very simple. Cricket can be a complex game sometimes. If you ask any batsman, legs should not be crossed, heads should not be dropped, but Ricky sir has simplified the game brilliantly. You know why he is a great coach? It is because he knows what a player wants.”
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Shashank Singh refuses to give up his dream of India
Well, despite great performances with the bat and impressive consistency in the IPL and domestic cricket, Shashank is still waiting for his big break in the Indian cricket team. The Punjab Kings star is yet to receive an India or India A call-up, but that hasn’t shaken his determination.
He focuses on improving every aspect of his game, from power-hitting to adapting to different situations, with the dream of not only playing for India but also winning matches for the country.
Shashank signed off by saying, “My job is to tick the boxes, work hard. I can only control the things that are in my hands. But one thing is that I still have a dream. The dream of winning matches for India. It will happen. The belief is still there.”