India's newly appointed T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer has stated that he does not need to alter his personality to fulfill his leadership responsibilities. Speaking at an event, the 31-year-old emphasized that he will remain the same person who thrived in Mumbai's highly competitive cricketing environment.
Embracing the Challenge
Iyer, who replaced Suryakumar Yadav as captain on Saturday, expressed his love for challenges. 'I don't have to change my personality. I have to be the same person I was before, and not try to be someone else or be under someone's shadow,' he said.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Iyer noted, 'I obviously loved challenges growing up, especially being from Mumbai, where cricket is pretty big and competition is high. Every other kid on the street wants to represent Mumbai.'
Mindset and Responsibility
He highlighted that his mindset has always been about winning against everyone he challenged. 'Whether it's about learning or winning, that is secondary, but the more fun you have growing up, the more competitive nature you have, especially while you play cricket or any other sport in general,' Iyer explained. 'I think that takes you to another level, and you want to take that sort of responsibility. Even when I've got this job right now, or a responsibility as a captain, it's a great challenge at the same time.'
BCCI President's Endorsement
Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly backed Iyer's appointment, stating that he has earned the role. 'Shreyas has done well; he has earned it. I would not say that the removal of Suryakumar Yadav is unfair. The selectors have made a decision,' Ganguly said.
Iyer, who last played a T20I in December 2023, is set to lead India in a two-match series in Ireland as his first assignment. He returns as a like-for-like replacement for Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order.
