Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in Shreyas Iyer's ability to succeed as India's T20I captain, citing the batter's impressive leadership record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in recent years. Speaking at the T20 Mumbai League on Saturday, Rohit, the brand ambassador of the tournament, said that Shreyas' performances as captain in the IPL will provide him with the requisite experience for the national role.
Shreyas Iyer's IPL Captaincy Credentials
Shreyas Iyer was recently appointed as India's T20I captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, as the three-time World Cup winners reset their leadership for key assignments including the Asia Cup, 2028 Olympics, and T20 World Cup. Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and guided Punjab Kings to the final in 2025.
"I'm sure looking at how he has captained in the last few years for his franchise, he's going to have a good time," Rohit said.
Rohit Sharma on Mumbai Cricket's Toughness
Rohit, who captained India to their second T20 World Cup win in 2024, emphasized that nothing comes easy for a Mumbai cricketer. "Playing in Mumbai, representing Mumbai teaches you a lot of things. If you ask anyone who has captained India or Mumbai before us, they'll tell you the same thing. Nothing comes easy here," he said.
"You have to really earn it, so captaincy is also something that you have to earn and earn the respect of people around you, and that is something that all these guys have it," he added.
Praise for Suryakumar Yadav
Rohit also heaped praise on Suryakumar Yadav's stint as India captain, which culminated with the national side winning a record-extending third T20 World Cup title earlier this year. "I'm pretty sure nothing has come easy, especially for Surya," Rohit said. "He made his India debut at 30 or 31, if I'm not wrong, which means that he never gave up. He always wanted to be in the fight and when it came, he wanted to grab it with both hands, and he did it."
Suryakumar Yadav's Reaction
Suryakumar, who captained Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in their contest against Sobo Mumbai Falcons, expressed happiness that another Mumbai player has taken over the reins of the national T20I team. "So many things are happening but very, very happy for Shreyas as he is getting to lead the T20 Indian team," Suryakumar said at the toss.
"We have played a lot of cricket together here in Bombay, and the most important thing I felt is that three back-to-back Mumbai captains are going on to lead in T20Is for India. I think it is a very proud moment and everyone needs to celebrate that," he added.
T20 Mumbai League Talent
Rohit also commented on the talent in the fourth edition of the T20 Mumbai League, which is running concurrently with the inaugural three-team women's edition. "Looking at what has happened and what has transpired, I'm not at all surprised by it. Because the talent that we get to see is unreal, and that is what we want, right?" he said.
"We want the platform for all the players to come out and show their talent, and this is the perfect platform for a lot of these guys who are playing and taking part in it," Rohit added.
