Ricky Ponting Backs Shreyas Iyer for T20I Captaincy Amid Speculations

Ricky Ponting has voiced his support for Shreyas Iyer as a leading candidate for the Indian T20I captaincy. Amidst speculation about Suryakumar Yadav's future, Ponting praised Iyer's maturity and performance, asserting that he is at the top of his game. He expressed surprise at Iyer's recent exclusions from the national team and believes that after a successful IPL season, selectors will reconsider him for both the team and the captaincy. With a strong record in the IPL and a close working relationship with Ponting, Iyer is positioned to make a significant impact in Indian cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 16:15 IST

Ponting Supports Iyer's Leadership Potential

Ricky Ponting has expressed his support for Shreyas Iyer as a potential captain for the Indian T20I team. This comes amidst speculation that Suryakumar Yadav's leadership may be nearing its end, despite his success in guiding India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, following a series of disappointing performances. Although Iyer did not participate in the World Cup, he is considered a strong candidate alongside Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and vice-captain Axar Patel.

Ponting emphasized that Iyer is currently at a peak in his career, showcasing maturity and skill. He dismissed concerns over Iyer's recent low scores, asserting that the player is capable of a strong comeback. 'There are several contenders, but Iyer stands out as a key candidate. His performance at the start of the tournament highlighted his capabilities as a T20 player, both on and off the field. I believe he is more mature than ever,' Ponting stated during a discussion with a news agency.

Ponting also noted the challenges players face in maintaining consistency throughout a long tournament, but he remains confident that Iyer will perform well in the upcoming match. 'If he delivers a significant score, it could greatly enhance our chances of winning,' he added.

Ponting Surprised by Iyer's Exclusion

Furthermore, Ponting expressed his astonishment at Iyer's recent exclusions from the Indian squad, suggesting that after a successful IPL season, selectors would reconsider him for both the team and the captaincy role. He acknowledged the difficulty players encounter when trying to re-enter the national team after being dropped.

'I've consistently voiced my surprise whenever Surya is selected over Iyer. Given his impressive IPL performance, I am confident he will be a topic of discussion among selectors, not only for a return to the team but also for potential captaincy,' Ponting remarked.

He added, 'In Indian cricket, returning to the team isn't straightforward; players must consistently score runs and perform well. Iyer's current season has been remarkable, and his leadership has been commendable. He is at a pivotal point in his career, and if captaincy is offered to him, I believe he would excel in that role.'

Ponting and Iyer share a strong professional relationship, currently collaborating as head coach and captain of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), and have previously worked together at Delhi Capitals. Iyer boasts an impressive captaincy record in the IPL, being the only player to lead three teams to the finals, including a championship win with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024. He also serves as the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team but has not participated in a T20I match since December 2023.