Aakash Chopra has highlighted what he views as the defining strengths of Shreyas Iyer‘s approach to captaincy. Iyer was appointed India’s T20I captain in June 2026 following the BCCI’s announcement of squads for upcoming tours of England and Ireland, with Tilak Varma named as vice-captain.
Chopra outlined the qualities that make Iyer an effective leader. He emphasised Iyer’s ability to command respect through personal example and his quick decision-making, which Chopra described as vital in T20I cricket.
“One thing about Shreyas Iyer’s character is that you will never hear him saying negative things. He believes in the power of manifesting. His belief is that whatever comes out of your mouth can become reality. Because of this mindset, you will never see him creating a negative environment, nor will you hear him speaking negatively,” Chopra said on Doordarshan’s The Great Indian Cricket show.
Why Iyer’s positive mindset matters for young players
Chopra explained that the best captains understand how pressure affects performance and create an environment where players can perform at their best. Young cricketers respond positively to leaders who build confidence rather than add unnecessary stress to an already demanding sport.
“If we all ask ourselves when we perform at our best, the answer is: we perform best when we are at ease. Of course, there is already pressure in life. Pressure is a natural part of life. But when the captain starts adding more pressure, the coach starts adding more pressure, and people around you create an atmosphere where you begin to feel unnecessary pressure, that is not helpful,” Chopra said.
“A good captain is someone who understands this, and Shreyas Iyer is that kind of captain. He says, ‘Be the best that you can be.’ We will not focus on negativity; we will stay positive. Manifesting does not make everything happen every single time, that is also true. But if you ask any young player, they will say that the best captain is the one who does not constantly scold or put pressure on them,” he added.
Iyer brings significant domestic and franchise experience to the role. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to a championship title and had successful stints with Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals before his appointment as India’s T20I captain.
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