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Ricky Ponting has backed Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain. He said he had been endorsing Shreyas for the role with the BCCI selectors. He told them that if they gave him a chance, they would not be disappointed. He called it a great achievement and terrific recognition for the hard work Shreyas has put in over a long period.

Ponting has seen Shreyas’ best as a T20 captain. Together, they have taken two teams to IPL finals. Ponting trusted Shreyas enough to spend ₹26.75 crore on him in the auction. He said Shreyas has gradually grown into a more mature leader. His appointment reflects the confidence selectors have in him.

Ponting also said that pressure will not affect Shreyas. He argued that Shreyas has always found a way to perform well in big pressure moments. He said that is one of the things the selectors looked at. Being captain of India is a high-pressure job, but Shreyas will thrive in it.

India’s Afghanistan T20I Squad: Shreyas Iyer to Lead as Jasprit Bumrah Returns

India have announced a 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Shreyas Iyer will lead the side, with Tilak Varma as his deputy. Jasprit Bumrah returns to the squad after recovering from injury. However, Hardik Pandya misses out as he continues to recover from a fitness setback.

The squad includes Abhishek Sharma and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are the wicketkeeping options. The bowling attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi. Four players, including Bumrah, are subject to fitness clearance.

The series will be played in Delhi on September 13, 15, and 17. It will provide India with a chance to test their T20I combination ahead of future assignments. The inclusion of young players shows the selectors’ focus on building depth in the shortest format.

All eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer as he leads a squad with young and as well as experienced players. The series will also be a test of the leadership duo of Iyer and Varma. The BCCI confirmed the squad through an official release.

Mumbai Captaincy Race: Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav in Contention for White-Ball Role

Mumbai are considering their new white-ball captain for the upcoming domestic season. Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav are the two main contenders for the role. The final decision will depend on their availability. A senior official from the Mumbai Cricket Association said both players are options, but availability will be key.

Iyer replaced Suryakumar as India’s T20I captain earlier this year. He also led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the 2024-25 season. His recent success as a captain makes him a strong candidate for the role.

Mumbai have also made a change for the Ranji Trophy season. Siddhesh Lad has replaced Shardul Thakur as captain. Lad had an impressive season with the bat last year. He scored 774 runs in eight matches at an average of 77.40. He is seen as a calm and composed leader.

The decision to replace Thakur was made to manage his workload. The team wants him to focus on his bowling in the red-ball setup. Thakur had taken over the captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane before the 2025-26 season. Under him, Mumbai reached the quarterfinals before losing to Karnataka.

The Ranji season begins on October 11. Mumbai are in Elite Group D. They will open their campaign against Chandigarh. The team will have a new captain for the second straight year.

FAQs

Q. Who backed Shreyas Iyer as India’s T20I captain?

A. Ricky Ponting backed Shreyas Iyer for the role.

Q. How long does Ponting want Iyer as captain?

A. Ricky Ponting wants Iyer to remain captain until retirement.

Q. Who is India’s T20I vice-captain?

A. Tilak Varma is India’s T20I vice-captain.

Q. When will India play Afghanistan in the T20I series?

A. The matches are on September 13, 15, and 17.

Q. Who are Mumbai’s white-ball captaincy contenders?

A. Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav are contenders.

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