Shreyas Iyer ODI Captain Talks Heat Up As BCCI Plans Split Leadership

Shreyas Iyer ODI Captain: BCCI’s Split Leadership Strategy and the Condition That Could Make Him India’s Long-Term ODI Skipper

The debate surrounding Shreyas Iyer’s absence from India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup has sparked widespread discussions. While many fans questioned why the 30-year-old batter failed to make the cut, reports now suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may have far bigger plans for him. In fact, Shreyas Iyer is being seriously considered as the future ODI captain of India, but there is one crucial condition attached.

The Asia Cup Selection Twist

The Indian men’s team selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, announced a 15-member squad for the 2025 Asia Cup to be played in the UAE from September 9. Suryakumar Yadav will continue leading the T20I side, while Shubman Gill has returned as vice-captain. Gill, who last featured in a T20I against Sri Lanka in July 2024, is already in the leadership mix across formats. On the other hand, Iyer was excluded, leaving many to wonder about his role in India’s future plans.

Agarkar and his team pointed out that Iyer currently doesn’t have a direct place in the T20I XI. However, according to a report by Dainik Jagran, his exclusion might not be a setback but instead a sign of future responsibilities awaiting him in ODIs.

BCCI’s Split Leadership Formula

The BCCI is reportedly exploring the idea of split leadership across formats. With India’s cricket calendar packed back-to-back after the England tour, the board is keen on not overburdening a single player. As things stand, Shubman Gill is the Test captain and is also in the running to succeed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I skipper. However, the BCCI is not in favor of giving Gill the responsibility to lead across all three formats.

This is where Shreyas Iyer’s name has entered the discussion. To share the workload, the board is considering Iyer as the ODI captain—a move that could redefine the leadership structure of Indian cricket.

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The Condition For Iyer’s ODI Captaincy

Reports suggest that Iyer’s appointment as India’s ODI skipper depends largely on Rohit Sharma’s future. Rohit, who is 38, has been at the helm of India’s white-ball side for years. The decision regarding his continuation will be made after the Asia Cup. If Rohit decides to step away from ODIs, the BCCI is likely to hand the baton to Iyer, making him the long-term leader with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa.

Thus, while Gill continues to focus on Test and T20I leadership, Iyer could emerge as the specialist captain in the 50-over format.

Upcoming Series and Leadership Dynamics

India’s immediate schedule highlights the challenge of managing leadership across formats. From October 2 to 14, Gill will captain India in a two-Test series against West Indies at home. Just days later, starting October 18, the Indian team will embark on a white-ball tour of Australia, beginning with an ODI series followed by T20Is.

It’s not guaranteed that Gill will feature in the ODI leg of the Australia series, as his focus might be on Tests and T20Is. This opens the door for Iyer to step in as the potential ODI captain if Rohit Sharma chooses to move on. The packed calendar continues with South Africa touring India in mid-November for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, further emphasizing the need for multiple leaders.

Why Iyer Is A Strong Contender

Shreyas Iyer has already demonstrated leadership qualities during his stints with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he guided the team to playoffs consistently. His calm temperament, sharp cricketing brain, and ability to anchor the middle-order make him a natural fit for the ODI format. Moreover, his experience and maturity at 30 put him in an ideal position to take over the responsibility.

Read more: India’s Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Leadership and Strategy Revealed

Conclusion

The exclusion of Iyer from the Asia Cup T20I squad may have raised eyebrows, but behind the scenes, the BCCI appears to be grooming him for a much bigger role. With Rohit Sharma’s ODI future under question and the board committed to split leadership, Shreyas Iyer stands as the frontrunner to become India’s next ODI captain. If things go as planned, fans may soon see him leading the Men in Blue against Australia later this year, setting the stage for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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