Shubman Gill, who is going to captain Team India in the coming series against England, recently opened up about his leadership style. Talking a day before the highly anticipated tour, Gill said that he doesn't have a specific style as it keeps evolving. "I don't have a particular style in mind. You play and you keep developing these things," he explained, emphasizing the importance of adaptive leadership. His philosophy is centered on establishing rapport with players and having them feel secure and confident within the team setup.

Communication will be a major factor in his strategy, states Gill. "I like to talk to the players. I would try to make them comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses. The players should feel secure; then only will they perform well," he said. Gill wants to instill a positive culture in which players feel comfortable taking the initiative or claiming performances for themselves. Trust and belonging will be central to him getting the best out of his players.

The young skipper also emphasized the need to be tactically alert against a physical England team. "If we are going proactive with our plans, it would put them under pressure," he said. Instead of believing in numbers, Gill is more concerned with establishing the tone by intent and clarity of thought. His focus on mindset and preparation speaks volumes about how he will lead, inspired by confidence, flexibility, and learning.

A Calm, Communication-Based Leadership Vision

Gill's utterances reflect an advanced realization of what leadership in global cricket is about. Rather than strict strategies, Gill holds a place for fluidity and emotional quotient — precious but essential qualities for one entering giants' shoes abandoned by icons like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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While he acknowledges the massive void left by the two icons, Gill is clear that pressure is part of the job. “We’re all used to that by now,” he said, showing no signs of being daunted. For Gill, this tour is not just about performances but about laying the foundation for a new leadership era. came with authority.

Shreyas Iyer has carved a remarkable legacy as a captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading teams to significant milestones over the years. His tactical acumen and leadership have made him a standout figure in the tournament’s history.

Playoffs After 7 Long Seasons with Delhi Capitals (2019)

In 2019, Iyer was appointed captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) and strictly injured the mediocrity that the franchise endured over the last 7 years, as it did not prepare for playoffs in those past years. Under Iyer’s leadership, DC reached the playoffs and made the team finish 3rd in the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches. His rookie status, his calmness, and his motivation were immeasurable in overcoming a long history of mediocrity. 

First-Ever Final in 13 Seasons with Delhi Capitals (2020)

Iyer's captaincy reached its peak in 2020 when he led Delhi Capitals to their first IPL final in the franchise's history that spanned 13 years. DC presented incredible consistency as they finished second in the league stage with 16 points. Iyer's tactics, such as supporting young guns like Prithvi Shaw and using veterans like Kagiso Rabada to best effect, took the team to the final. While they lost to Mumbai Indians, Iyer's captaincy had established DC as a strong unit.

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Title Glory After 10 Seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders (2024)

In 2024, Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title and the franchise's first in 10 seasons. KKR was dominant all year and ranked first in the points table before beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. Iyer combined a hyper-aggressive style of captaincy with the team management of a star-studded team with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. 

Final After 11 Seasons with Punjab Kings (2025)

Iyer's most recent achievement was guiding Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL final in 2025 after 11 seasons. Even during this time, PBKS was never able to put it all together as a consistently performing team. Iyer brought that level of stability to the franchise and took them to the final with the help of outstanding performances by players like Arshdeep Singh. Despite falling short of the title in 2025, Iyer's mark at PBKS was impressive and further expanded his already illustrious tenure as a captain in the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer has become the catalyst for Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) incredible comeback in IPL 2025. Ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium on June 1, fans and experts alike have applauded Iyer’s composed but commanding leadership. The 30-year-old, a Champions Trophy winner, has taught a side that had not reached the playoffs in 10 seasons discipline and belief in themselves. His batting performances and heady decision-making have played a significant role in what has been the best season for PBKS in ages.

In a recently aired Star Sports video, several of PBKS’s young players recalled Iyer’s leadership and how he has cultivated a winning environment for the franchise. Leading wicket-taker Arshdeep Singh revealed how Iyer gives his team complete backing and lets them play without any baggage. “I’ve played under Iyer in the Duleep Trophy, and he was a great leader. He doesn’t give strict instructions; he just tells us to trust ourselves and what we are capable of. He creates a very selfless team environment, and that is why we all want to give our best for him.” Arshdeep’s sentiments were echoed by other young stars, emphasizing the unifying effect Iyer has had on the squad.

Prabhsimran Singh, who opened the batting alongside Iyer, also spoke about the instincts and fearlessness of the Skipper. “He talks about trusting your instincts all the time. If you have to second-guess a shot, don't hit it. But if you are confident, then go for it," Prabhsimran said. “He is batting like a world number one - clean hitting, smart decisions, and match-finishing innings. He gets us to play with freedom and clarity." The message from the PBKS young core definitively notes Shreyas Iyer's captaincy has changed their perspective. 

Shreyas Iyer on the verge of making IPL history

In the last IPL season, Shreyas Iyer led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title, demonstrating he is made of captaincy steel, and now leading PBKS, he is on the brink of making history. A win in IPL 2025 will make Iyer the third captain to win two consecutive IPL titles and the only captain to do so with two franchises, marking him a bona fide leader in IPL history.

Watch the video here

The PBKS squad throws full support behind skipper #ShreyasIyer as they gear up for a high-stakes clash against MI, with a spot in the final vs RCB on the line 🤯

Will PBKS lift their first IPL trophy under Iyer’s leadership? 🤔#IPLPlayoffs 👉 QUALIFIER 2 | #PBKSvMI | SUN, 1st… pic.twitter.com/9KWFOwQUs6

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 1, 2025

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Iyer has had players rallying and believing in one another in a way we have never witnessed before. His strategic acumen and fearless batting have not only earned him the trust of PBKS players but also the adoration of fans, who see him as the driving force behind the team’s remarkable turnaround this season.