'Shreyas Iyer Named India Captain at the Right Time': Sreesanth Backs New T20 Leader, Opens Up on SKY and BCL

New Delhi, June 7: Shreyas Iyer's appointment as India's new T20I captain has been widely viewed as the beginning of a new chapter for Indian cricket. For former India fast bowler S Sreesanth, however, it is also the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to the grind of domestic cricket.

Speaking exclusively to myKhel on the sidelines of a media interaction organised by Big Cricket League (BCL), the two-time World Cup winner backed the BCCI selectors' decision to hand Iyer the captaincy while also sharing his thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav's omission from the squad and his own experience of leading the Mumbai Marines in the unique pro-am format tournament.

Sreesanth's views carry particular significance because he has witnessed multiple generations of Indian cricket evolve. Having represented India in 27 Tests, 53 ODIs and 10 T20Is, and having been part of the squads that lifted the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup, he understands the pressures associated with leadership and selection better than most.

Why Shreyas Iyer Deserved the Captaincy

For Sreesanth, Iyer's elevation was neither surprising nor sentimental. It was the natural reward for a cricketer who rebuilt his career the hard way when opportunities at the international level became scarce.

Interestingly, Sreesanth's IPL journey began with Kings XI Punjab, now known as Punjab Kings, the same franchise that Iyer captained during a memorable IPL 2025 campaign.

"Kings XI Punjab is one team where I really enjoyed playing," Sreesanth told myKhel. "The experience I got from them, from Ricky Ponting and all the coaches, was fantastic. When you play with different franchises, you gain a lot of experience."

While many players struggle after being dropped from national contention, Sreesanth pointed to Iyer's determination to return through sheer weight of performances.

"Shreyas was in a mode where he wasn't in the India team. He had to perform. He scored runs everywhere - Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Irani Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy. He played all the matches."

The former pacer believes that willingness to return to the domestic circuit and prove himself repeatedly separated Iyer from many of his contemporaries.

Drawing parallels with the resurgence of Ishan Kishan, Sreesanth highlighted the importance of valuing domestic cricket.

"When we see Ishan Kishan's performances and say 'wow, what a performance', we should also understand why he performed. He played first-class cricket. He played for every club. He played company cricket. That is very important."

That dedication, according to Sreesanth, has now been rewarded in the most significant way possible.

"That's why I say Shreyas Iyer, at the right time, is the captain."

The appointment also has a personal element for Sreesanth, who proudly referenced Iyer's Malayali roots.

"There's a Mallu connection there," he said with a smile.

"He's a Bombay-born Malayali. I love him."

Sreesanth also mentioned fellow Kerala-connected cricketer Sanju Samson while discussing the growing influence of players with roots in the state.

"I had a dream that four or five people from Kerala would play for India. They may be from different states, but they are playing."

"Shreyas, all the very best."

"Sanju is there. Ishan is there. I'm sure they will do well."

Suryakumar Yadav's Omission: Respect the Decision

One of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket over the last week has been the omission of Suryakumar Yadav from the T20I squad for the Ireland and England tours.

The decision raised eyebrows because Suryakumar had only recently guided India to a record-extending third ICC Men's T20 World Cup title.

Many observers questioned whether a player of his stature deserved better communication from the selectors. Sreesanth, however, took a measured view and firmly backed the selection process.

"I don't want to be controversial," he said. "But I would like to say there is no need to give a message."

For the former pacer, the answer lies in the intensely competitive nature of Indian cricket. "You know your own performance. If you sit on old laurels, nothing will happen." He added further, "There is no shortage of talent and performance in Indian cricket."

Sreesanth stressed that every player, regardless of reputation, must continue to perform consistently if they wish to remain in contention.

"The Indian Premier League is not just about winning the World Cup. Whatever tournament you play, there has to be consistent performance."

"That's why selectors take their decisions. I respect that."

He also dismissed suggestions that players should expect special treatment because of past achievements.

"It's not like movies," he said. "When you get selected, nobody calls and asks whether you're ready."

His message to those left out was straightforward. "You should respect the BCCI. You should respect the selectors' decisions."

"You should respect the coach, the captain and whatever decision is taken by the officials. If you're not part of the selection process, then play matches and perform consistently."

While his comments may not satisfy those seeking controversy, they offer an insight into how many former cricketers view selection matters - as decisions driven by form, competition and future planning rather than sentiment.

Why Big Cricket League Feels Different

Away from international cricket, Sreesanth is preparing for another season of the Big Cricket League, where he will captain the Mumbai Marines.

The tournament's pro-am format, which combines former international stars with amateur cricketers, has become one of its biggest attractions.

For Sreesanth, the experience is less about nostalgia and more about rediscovering the passion that first drew him to the sport.

"It's more of an experience than excitement," he said. "It's an experience for us, playing with the amateurs and sharing the dressing room with them."

"Their commitment reminds us of our childhood."

The former India pacer admitted that the younger players often become a source of inspiration for the professionals.

"People say we should motivate them. But they motivate us." "It's so hot and we can complain. But the kids who want to play, they reach the ground by 11 or 12."

"If we say training starts at 5, they come by 4.30 PM." "That is so good to see."

Sreesanth believes those interactions help reinforce the values that underpin success in cricket.

"Our kids can think cricket is easy when they watch us. But if you are disciplined, then anything is possible."

He also acknowledged the organisational challenge of bringing together so many former stars and aspiring cricketers under one roof.

"Big Cricket League is not easy."

"There are so many leagues. Bringing all these people together and playing at one place is special."

A New Era for Indian Cricket

As Indian cricket enters a period of transition, Sreesanth sees plenty of reasons for optimism.

Shreyas Iyer has finally received the leadership role many felt he deserved. Suryakumar Yadav's omission, while surprising to some, reflects the fierce competition that defines Indian cricket. Meanwhile, tournaments such as the Big Cricket League continue to connect established stars with the next generation.

For Sreesanth, the common thread linking all three stories is simple: performance.

Whether it is a captain fighting his way back into the national side, a senior player responding to a setback, or an amateur dreaming of sharing a dressing room with international cricketers, the path forward remains the same.

Work hard. Stay disciplined. Let performances do the talking.