Shreyas Iyer has proven that captaincy suits him well, thriving in the role both for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 and now for SoBo Mumbai Falcons in the T20 Mumbai League. After leading Punjab Kings to their first final in 11 years, Iyer has now steered SoBo Mumbai Falcons into the semifinals of the league, held under the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Iyer, who is receiving widespread praise for his leadership, spoke about the responsibilities of captaincy. “It brings in a lot of maturity and responsibility,” Iyer shared, reflecting on the growing appreciation of his leadership qualities. There is even speculation that he could be considered for India’s next white-ball captaincy, with the possibility of a call-up for the upcoming Test series in England.
The Importance of Form and Leadership
Gautam Gambhir recently discussed the potential for Iyer’s late call-up, saying, “Anyone can be called if they are in good form.” He emphasized that the selection process always aims to bring in players who are performing well and capable of delivering in tough situations. Iyer, with over 600 runs in the IPL and a successful campaign leading SoBo Mumbai Falcons, has displayed his readiness for big roles.
After playing in the IPL final on June 3, Iyer swiftly transitioned to Mumbai, where he has led SoBo Mumbai Falcons to four wins out of five games, securing a spot in the semifinals.
Iyer’s Approach to Leadership
“I’ve been captaining since I was 22, and I’ve gained a lot of experience,” Iyer said, reflecting on his long-standing leadership journey. “You are always expected to perform and contribute in the best way possible for the team. Whenever there’s adversity, the team looks to the captain.” He expressed his love for leadership, adding, “I enjoy the moments, embrace them, and love the fact that I can come out and lead.”
Handling high-pressure situations is another challenge Iyer has mastered. “I try to get into my zone and stay focused on what’s in front of me. It’s all about staying in the present and embracing the situation,” he explained. Iyer finds motivation from the crowd’s energy, noting, “I want the crowd to cheer my name, and that brings motivation.”
The Role of T20 Mumbai League
Iyer is among the top international stars featured in the T20 Mumbai League, alongside prominent players like Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, and Shivam Dube. He acknowledged the significant role of the league in nurturing local talent. “The MCA has put in great efforts to bring this league and identify talent consistently performing at the grassroots level in Mumbai,” Iyer said. “This league gives them a platform to express themselves and thrive beyond club cricket.”
Upcoming Semifinals and Final
The semifinals and final of the T20 Mumbai League will be held at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. With Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, SoBo Mumbai Falcons are poised to make a strong push for the title.
