New Delhi: Australian legend Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind Shreyas Iyer as the race for India’s T20I captaincy intensifies. Ponting, who is the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2026, has backed Iyer as the main contender to replace Suryakumar as India’s next T20I captain.
Ponting’s comments come amid multiple reports suggesting that Suryakumar’s future as India’s T20I captain is under scrutiny amid a dip in his personal form. India might also be looking at fresh leadership options with a long-term perspective despite Suryakumar stating that he wants to lead the team at the 2028 LA Olympics, which is still far away.
Suryakumar led India to a triumph at the T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year, helping the Men in Blue become the first team to clinch back-to-back titles in the tournament’s history. However, amid concerns about his form and advancing age, a change in leadership cannot be ruled out. Iyer is considered among the strongest contenders to take over the reins from Suryakumar.
Ricky Ponting endorses Shreyas Iyer for India’s T20I captaincy
Ponting has put his weight behind Iyer in the race for India’s T20I captaincy. He feels the star batter is not a dark horse, but a prime contender to take over if Suryakumar is sacked in the future. “I think there are several contenders, but he’s (Shreyas Iyer) one of the main contenders as far as I’m concerned,” Ponting told PTI.
“I think we saw at the start of the tournament just how good a T20 player he is and where he’s at, both on and off the field right now,” he added.
Iyer has been terrific as captain for the Punjab Kings in the IPL ever since taking over the reins last season. The only captain in IPL history to take as many as three teams to the final, Iyer helped Punjab Kings reach only their second final last season. They lost to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the summit clash, missing out on their maiden title.
Iyer earlier helped Delhi Capitals reach their maiden IPL final in 2020, before inspiring Kolkata Knight Riders to a memorable triumph in the 2024 season. Punjab Kings once again started their campaign strongly in the ongoing IPL 2026 by remaining unbeaten in their first seven matches in the tournament. However, they have since lost six matches in a row and are staring at missing out on a spot in the playoffs.
Punjab Kings currently are in the 5th spot on the IPL 2026 points table with 13 points from as many matches and need to beat Lucknow Super Giants in their final game of the season to remain in contention for a spot in the playoffs. Iyer has not played a T20I for India since December 2023, but has managed to stay in contention for captaincy by rebuilding his T20 career with his consistent show for PBKS in the IPL over the last two seasons.