NEW DELHI
As India prepares for a high-stakes T20I series in England, former star Cheteshwar Pujara has highlighted the immense pressure facing newly appointed Captain Shreyas Iyer. Following in the footsteps of legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Iyer is tasked with achieving a rare series win on English soil, a feat that Pujara describes as a significant challenge for the young leader.
Iyer’s return to the T20I setup after a two-year hiatus adds another layer of complexity. While Pujara voiced full confidence in Iyer’s tactical abilities, citing his proactive leadership and success with the Punjab Kings in the IPL, he emphasized that the true measure of success will be Iyer’s individual contribution with the bat. “The real test will be with his batting,” Pujara noted. “He must prove himself in the middle order and deliver under English conditions.”
The former batter also touched on the buzz surrounding teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Despite the youngster’s rising fame, Pujara expects him to remain sidelined for now. He argued that India’s established top-order lineup is currently too strong to justify an immediate debut for the newcomer.
As the team gears up for the tour, all eyes will be on whether Iyer can balance the demands of his first international leadership role with the need to score runs. With the team aiming for a series victory, Iyer’s ability to perform under pressure will be the defining story of this tour.