Shreyas Iyer, a top Indian batter, has recently become the center of attention in cricket discussions. The young cricketer, who has been a consistent performer in limited-overs cricket, faced an unexpected setback regarding his participation in the upcoming continental tournament.

On Tuesday, August 19, the BCCI officially revealed India’s 20-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, which also included five reserve players. Surprisingly, Iyer’s name was absent from the list, a move that came as a shock to many cricket fans and analysts. His exclusion has triggered widespread discussion within the cricket community.

Experts and former players have questioned the decision, especially considering the 30-year-old’s recent strong performances with the bat. Many feel his form and experience could have added significant value to the team in the high-pressure tournament. The selectors’ call has undoubtedly raised eyebrows and added more intrigue to India’s Asia Cup campaign.

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Shreyas Iyer can be Successor of Rohit Sharma in ODI:

On Thursday, August 21, a report by ‘Dainik Jagran’ claimed that Shreyas Iyer is now the leading candidate to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup. His recent form and leadership qualities have strengthened his case.

Shubman Gill was once seen as a possible all-format captain, but selectors are rethinking. The new plan involves having different captains for different formats to ease workload management and maintain consistency. This strategy could allow players to focus better while ensuring fresh leadership across India’s cricketing journey.

Shreyas Iyer’s rise as a potential ODI captain is closely tied to Rohit Sharma’s future plans. At 37, Rohit has already retired from Tests and T20Is, sparking talks about his next move. If he decides to step aside, Iyer could begin his captaincy journey with the upcoming Australia series. Otherwise, the leadership handover might be delayed until a later stage.

3 Potential Reasons Shreyas Iyer can be Successor of Rohit Sharma:

With growing reports of Shreyas Iyer being lined up to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s next ODI captain, the discussion around his suitability has intensified. Considering his leadership qualities, consistency with the bat, and ability to handle pressure situations, there are several strong arguments supporting this move. Here are three main reasons why it seems logical.

• Successful track record of captaincy and tournament victories

A major argument in favor of making Shreyas Iyer India’s next ODI captain after Rohit Sharma is his proven leadership in IPL and domestic cricket. He started his captaincy in 2018, taking over Delhi Capitals from Gautam Gambhir. Since then, Iyer has shown maturity and consistency, guiding his teams with confidence and achieving notable success as a leader.

Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy journey has been marked by consistent success across formats. He took Delhi Capitals to their maiden IPL final in 2020, and later, in 2024, lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His winning streak extended into domestic cricket when he guided Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the 2024-25 season.

In IPL 2025, Iyer led Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final. Despite falling short of the title, he once again proved his ability to inspire teams with both his batting and leadership, underlining why he is seen as a strong future captain.

At only 30 years old, Shreyas Iyer already holds the fifth-highest tally of matches as an IPL captain, leading 87 games and securing 50 victories. His impressive record, combined with his knack for guiding teams to titles, highlights his leadership credentials. Handing him the responsibility of India’s ODI captaincy appears to be a logical and promising choice.

• Shreyas Iyer: India’s Dependable Middle-Order Batsman in Recent ODI Matches

Shreyas Iyer’s case is strengthened by his consistency in India’s middle order. Despite facing injuries and fierce competition for his place, the Mumbai batter has repeatedly delivered crucial performances when it mattered most, proving his reliability under pressure.

Shreyas Iyer was a key performer for India during the 2023 ODI World Cup, helping the team reach the final against Australia. Across 11 innings, he scored 530 runs at an impressive average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24. His contributions included two centuries and three half-centuries, with a standout hundred in the semi-final versus New Zealand.

Iyer continued his excellent form in the 2025 Champions Trophy, playing a crucial role in India’s title-winning campaign. Over five innings, he accumulated 243 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 79.41, including two fifties. These performances reinforced his status as one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters in limited-overs cricket.

Shreyas Iyer’s consistent performances make him a strong candidate for India’s ODI captaincy, allowing him to play with confidence and focus on his game. In 70 ODIs, he has amassed 2,845 runs at an average of 48.22 and a strike rate of 100.00, featuring five centuries and 22 fifties, highlighting his reliability and impact in the middle order.

• Ideal age and fitness make Iyer a long-term captain

Another important factor is Shreyas Iyer’s fitness and long-term potential. At 30, he is among the fittest in the team, maintaining top physical condition. This makes him a dependable choice for leadership roles in upcoming tournaments, including the 2027 and potentially 2031 ODI World Cups, offering the selectors a stable, long-term captaincy option.

Another factor to consider is the practicality of having a single player captain India across all three formats. While Shubman Gill has been viewed as a potential all-format leader, the demands of international cricket—including workload, scheduling, and the intensity of each format—make it challenging for one player to manage Tests, ODIs, and T20Is simultaneously. A two-captain system appears more realistic and sustainable.

In this context, Shreyas Iyer becomes an ideal candidate for the ODI captaincy. Since he is currently focused on ODIs and not regularly playing T20Is or Tests, he can dedicate his full attention to leading the team. This allows him to manage responsibilities efficiently while providing continuity and stability in the 50-over format.