“Let’s play like lions” – Shreyas Iyer delivers his first speech as India’s T20I captain

Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer began his tenure as Team India’s new T20I captain by delivering his first speech to the squad. The 31-year-old shared his vision of building a united and supportive team environment after replacing Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast.

India will face Ireland in a two-match T20I series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. The first match will be played on Friday, June 26, followed by the second on Sunday, June 28. The BCCI and selectors removed Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain as part of their preparations for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Let’s Build a Strong Culture and Play Like Lions – Shreyas Iyer’s First Message as India Captain

Speaking to the squad before the series opener, Shreyas Iyer said his priority is to build a strong team culture. He called it an honor to lead the national team and asked the players to stay united.

“I just want to say let’s try and build a solid culture going forward. It’s my first opportunity as a captain for the Indian team and definitely an honor and privilege as Gauti Bhai mentioned,” Iyer said.

Iyer urged his teammates to support each other in every situation and enjoy their cricket. He described the team as a family and encouraged everyone to play with confidence and fearlessness.

“Going forward, I just want to build a culture where all of us are protecting, supporting each other through thick and thin, and more importantly, when we are out here playing the match, have fun as much as possible. It’s a great opportunity and this is a family. Let’s play like lions,” he added.

I’m Sure You’re Going To Do It Really Well”: Gautam Gambhir Congratulates Shreyas Iyer

In the same video, head coach Gautam Gambhir congratulated Shreyas Iyer on becoming India’s new T20I captain. He said that leading the national team is a special honor and expressed confidence that Iyer would succeed both on and off the field.

“To start this tour, I want to congratulate Shreyas for being appointed as the captain. It’s an honor to be in that position, and I’m sure you’re going to do it really well, not only on the field, but off the field as well,” Gautam Gambhir said.

Iyer already serves as India’s ODI vice-captain and previously held the T20I vice-captaincy during the home series against Australia in 2023. He also brings strong leadership experience, having captained Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings in the IPL.

The Ireland series is Shreyas Iyer’s return to T20I cricket after more than two and a half years. The right-hander last played a T20I against Australia in December 2023 and will now return as India’s new captain.

Iyer made his T20I debut against New Zealand in Delhi in November 2017 and has represented India in 51 matches. He has scored 1,104 runs in 47 innings at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12.

The 31-year-old has registered eight half-centuries in T20I cricket, with his highest score being an unbeaten 74 against Sri Lanka in 2022. As captain, Iyer will aim to make an immediate impact with the bat and lead India to a strong start in Belfast.