AB De Villiers Reveals His Choice For India’s Next Captain After Rohit Sharma

With Rohit Sharma in the twilight of his international career, discussions about India’s next captain have gained momentum. The 37-year-old has already stepped away from T20Is, and his leadership in Test cricket has been under scrutiny following India’s recent struggles against Australia and New Zealand. While his role in ODIs remains uncertain, Rohit showcased his tactical acumen by leading India to an emphatic ICC Champions Trophy victory, proving his mettle in high-pressure situations.

As the Indian cricketing landscape prepares for a leadership transition, various names have emerged as potential successors to Rohit Sharma. Among them, Shreyas Iyer has been gaining significant attention. The talented middle-order batter has not only proven himself as a consistent performer but has also demonstrated impressive leadership skills, both in domestic cricket and the IPL. Recently, South African cricketing legend AB de Villiers added his voice to the debate, identifying Iyer as a strong contender for the coveted captaincy role.

AB de Villiers on Shreyas Iyer’s Leadership Credentials

During a YouTube interaction, a fan asked AB de Villiers whether Shreyas Iyer could be the rightful successor to Rohit Sharma. The former South African captain responded positively, acknowledging Iyer’s leadership credentials and rating him as a serious candidate for the future captaincy of Team India.

“Absolutely, why not? There are a few other contenders like Shubman Gill, but Shreyas has certainly put up his hand. He has a very successful captaincy record, having won the IPL not long ago. Now, he finds himself at a new franchise as captain and has started well, both with the bat and as a leader,” De Villiers said.

ABD further elaborated on the complexities of leading Team India, emphasizing that captaincy is more than just performing well individually. “It’s up to the selectors to decide who is the best person for the job. A captain has to handle different pressures, manage players from diverse backgrounds, and bring them together in unison. Cultural differences, mindset variations, and playing styles need to be accounted for at the national level,” De Villiers added.

Despite these complexities, ABD believes that Iyer is a strong candidate for the role, given his proven leadership abilities and consistency with the bat.

Shreyas Iyer’s Journey: A Proven Leader

Shreyas Iyer’s journey to becoming a potential Indian captain has been nothing short of remarkable. His leadership abilities came into the spotlight when he took over as captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his leadership, DC transformed into a formidable force, culminating in their runner-up finish in IPL 2020. His calm demeanor, sharp cricketing brain, and ability to inspire his teammates were evident throughout his tenure.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered his progress, and he lost the captaincy after missing the first half of IPL 2021. However, Iyer’s leadership abilities remained unquestionable. He later moved to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and was appointed captain in IPL 2022, showcasing his ability to lead from the front once again.

Now, as the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, Iyer has continued to excel. His remarkable leadership and batting prowess were on full display as he played a match-winning knock of 97 not out off just 42 balls—his career-best IPL performance.

What set Iyer apart wasn’t just his explosive batting but also his shrewd captaincy. He made critical impact player substitutions and strategic bowling changes, proving his sharp cricketing mind. Under his guidance, Punjab secured a commanding win, setting the tone for their IPL campaign.

Iyer’s International Record and Captaincy Potential

Iyer’s success in franchise cricket is backed by his strong performances for the Indian national team. He was one of India’s standout batters in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, finishing as the team’s highest run-scorer. His ability to anchor the innings, accelerate when needed, and play under pressure has made him an indispensable asset in India’s middle order.

Even though he hasn’t featured in India’s T20I setup since November 2023, his performances in domestic T20 tournaments and the IPL suggest that a comeback is imminent. His consistency, leadership skills, and ability to handle pressure make him a prime candidate not only for a return to India’s T20I squad but also for a potential future captaincy role.

One of the key qualities that make Iyer a strong captaincy contender is his ability to remain composed under pressure. Whether leading an IPL team or batting in crunch situations for India, Iyer has demonstrated remarkable temperament. Additionally, his understanding of the game and strategic nous have impressed cricketing experts.

Other Contenders for India’s Captaincy

While Shreyas Iyer is a strong contender for India’s future captaincy, he is not the only one in the race. Several other players are also being considered, each bringing unique strengths to the table.

Shubman Gill – The young opener has been groomed as a future leader and has already led Gujarat Titans in the IPL. His consistency as a batter and ability to remain calm under pressure make him a viable candidate.
Hardik Pandya – The dynamic all-rounder has already captained India in T20Is and has experience leading an IPL franchise to victory. However, concerns over his fitness and workload management could impact his chances.
KL Rahul – A seasoned campaigner who has captained India in all three formats, Rahul has the experience required for the role. However, questions remain about his consistency and leadership approach.
Rishabh Pant – Before his unfortunate accident, Pant was being considered as a future India captain. If he regains full fitness and continues his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping heroics, he could be back in contention.
Jasprit Bumrah – While fast bowlers rarely become captains, Bumrah’s leadership during the Test series against England showcased his tactical awareness and ability to inspire his teammates.

Will the Selectors Consider Iyer?

The decision on India’s next captain will ultimately rest with the selectors, who will have to evaluate various factors, including leadership experience, form, and team dynamics. Iyer’s recent performances and leadership credentials have certainly strengthened his case.

Given India’s current leadership structure, the selectors might initially opt for a split-captaincy model, with one captain for Tests and ODIs and another for T20Is. If this approach is adopted, Iyer could be a strong candidate to lead the limited-overs teams, allowing someone like Gill or Bumrah to take charge in the longest format.

Is Shreyas Iyer the Right Choice?

Shreyas Iyer has proven himself as a capable leader, both in the IPL and in international cricket. His ability to handle pressure, think strategically, and perform consistently makes him a strong contender for India’s captaincy. With AB de Villiers backing his leadership potential, the conversation around Iyer’s future as India’s skipper is only getting louder.

While competition for the role remains fierce, if Iyer continues to deliver match-winning performances and showcase astute leadership, he could very well be the next in line to take over the reins from Rohit Sharma. Whether it happens immediately or in the near future, one thing is certain—Shreyas Iyer is a name that cannot be ignored in India’s leadership discussions.

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