'I am very happy to see that another Mumbai cricketer will be leading the Indian team': Pandit on Shreyas Iyer's captaincy appointment

Chandrakant Pandit. Pic/Satej Shinde

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has worked closely with Shreyas Iyer when he led the franchise to the IPL title in 2024, has hailed the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee's decision to make him the captain of the India T20 team.

"I am very happy to see that another Mumbai cricketer will be leading the Indian team. Shreyas has done well while leading Punjab Kings in the last two years and his form has improved in recent seasons. Shreyas firstly deserved a return to the Indian team, and of course the captaincy. I'm sure Shreyas will make this opportunity count as he has the strength and ability to shoulder the responsibility of being a good skipper," Pandit told mid-day on Saturday.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Pandit went on to explain Iyer's leadership traits which he experienced during their KKR stint together.

"He was a good listener. I have never seen him excited or confused on the field. In my philosophy, the captain wins 50 per cent of the match through his field placements and bowling changes. Shreyas showed that when he was KKR captain. We, the KKR support staff, never felt the need to guide him on the ground because he is so mature. He has a lot of experience in T20 cricket. I would like to praise the selection committee for showing trust in him," said Pandit, adding that "no one can question Shreyas's appointment as India captain. If you look at his record, he deserved it."

Iyer, 31, who has scored 1104 runs in 51 T20Is, last played a T20I for India in December 2023.

Pandit also revealed that Iyer was confident of making a comeback to the Indian team.

"I remember speaking to Shreyas once and he was very positive and confident. He told me, ‘Sir, I will come back to the Indian team.' Some players change and go into a different zone after getting such an opportunity, but Shreyas is a cool and calm player. He knows what to do on the ground and how to implement decisions on the field. He never hesitates to take spontaneous decisions," Pandit signed off.