Shreyas Iyer, the newly appointed captain of Punjab Kings for the IPL 2025, brings a distinctive fervor to his leadership, driven by one particular emotion – the hatred for losing. This sentiment has not only shaped his personal journey in cricket but has also been the cornerstone of his captaincy. “I hate losing, personally, and I think that’s what has elevated me to where I am right now as a captain,” Iyer candidly shared with ESPNCricinfo. His tenure, especially with Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led the team to the title, showcases his ability to translate this intense dislike for defeat into a winning strategy.
Empowerment Over Control
What sets Iyer apart, particularly in a sport where captains often dictate terms, is his approach to leadership. He describes himself as a “liberating captain” who prioritizes the freedom of his players over enforcing strict control. “I’m a liberating captain. I just let the players be,” he explained. This philosophy stems from a belief that when players are allowed to be themselves, they perform at their best. Iyer’s method is not about hanging out with a select group but ensuring every player feels equally valued and free to express their individuality, both on and off the field. “I love players to be themselves. I don’t want them to behave in any particular way,” he added, emphasizing a collective mindset geared towards winning and contributing to the team’s success.
Trust and Instinctive Leadership
Iyer’s leadership is underpinned by a profound trust in his players’ abilities, a trait he believes brings out their best performance. “When you have so much freedom, I feel that the players also understand that this particular guy is going to back me,” he stated, highlighting his unwavering support for his team, irrespective of the situation. This trust is combined with an instinctive approach to captaincy, where Iyer is known for making unconventional decisions that have often turned games in his team’s favor. His success in the 2024 IPL final with Kolkata Knight Riders is a testament to this strategy, where his out-of-the-box thinking played a critical role.
The Balance Between Freedom and Responsibility
While Iyer champions player freedom, he also recognizes the importance of responsibility. The freedom he offers comes with an expectation that players will own up to their mistakes. “If you are owning up to the responsibilities and putting your hand up to say that, okay, yeah, I’m the one who made that mistake, or I’m the one to bite the bullet, he would be more than welcoming,” Iyer noted, elucidating his appreciation for accountability. This approach not only fosters a sense of responsibility among the players but also cultivates a team culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures.
Shreyas Iyer’s Composure Under Pressure
The fast-paced nature of T20 cricket demands not just skill but also mental fortitude. Iyer emphasizes the importance of staying calm and composed, qualities he believes are crucial for success in this format. He credits his understanding of these dynamics to his experience with coaches like Ricky Ponting, known for his strategic acumen and ability to maintain composure. “And I’m sure as a coach he provides that sort of composure to every individual,” Iyer remarked, acknowledging the synergy between his leadership style and the coaching he’s received.
A Captain for Modern Cricket
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025 is not just about his cricketing prowess but his philosophy of leadership that resonates with the evolving nature of cricket. His hatred for losing, coupled with a leadership style that promotes freedom, trust, and accountability, positions him as a modern captain who understands the nuances of managing a diverse team in a high-pressure environment. As Punjab Kings aim for their maiden IPL title, Iyer’s approach might just be the catalyst they need to turn their fortunes around, proving once again that in cricket, as in life, how you lead can be just as important as how you play.
