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Shreyas Iyer became India's T20I captain in June 2026, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. His captaincy record has been uneven. India lost series to Ireland and England early on, then won three consecutive series against Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and at the Asian Games 2026, before the West Indies series in October 2026 reached 2-2 after four matches with the decider still to come.
The recent results and the form against the top sides away from home have seen questions raised once more about Iyer's captaincy, which could be put to bed with improvements in key areas. Here are three aspects in which Shreyas Iyer could improve as captain of the Indian team.
1. Preparing better for away conditions against lower-ranked sides
India's first assignment under Iyer was a two-match T20I series in Ireland in late June 2026. The side lost both games, by 34 runs and by 1 run in Belfast. It was the first time India had lost a T20I against Ireland in nine meetings between the two sides. The defeats pointed to a need for sharper top-order planning against unfamiliar conditions and opposition.
The Ireland and England series exposed how quickly the side needed to adapt under new leadership. Addressing how the team prepares for, and approaches matches in conditions which do not offer a straight contest is one area where Iyer must show clear improvement.
2. Improving in-match decision-making against top-ranked opposition
The England series that followed in July 2026 was difficult. India lost four matches, by 4 wickets in Chester-le-Street, by 125 runs in Nottingham, by 9 wickets in Bristol and by 56 runs in Southampton, with one match in Manchester washed out. Conceding such heavy margins across multiple games highlighted a pattern of inconsistency in both batting and bowling.
Iyer needs to show better in-match decision-making when the side is under pressure in bilateral series against top-ranked teams. Tightening the approach during middle overs and responding more effectively when early wickets fall are areas that require attention if India are to compete consistently against England-level opposition.
3. Managing squad rotation and consistency in home series
India won 10 consecutive T20Is across the Zimbabwe series in Harare in July 2026, the Afghanistan series in Delhi in September 2026 and the Asian Games 2026 campaign in Japan, where India won the gold medal. However, the West Indies series in October 2026 has brought the run to an end.
Managing squad rotation and maintaining consistency across a long home series are areas where Iyer's captaincy must improve to avoid surrendering leads. The team has seen multiple rotations in this span, with Iyer yet to find a balanced side which covers all bases. It would favour the captain better if he sticks to onee lineup, which covers all bases, instead of a constant switch of key players in vital areas.
