Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Delhi Capitals believes that this season is going to be a tough one for him as a skipper.
Iyer who replaced Gautam Gambhir for the role during the 2018 edition of the league. Since then he has grown as a skipper and player. Iyer who has almost cemented his place in India’s limited-overs setup will be again seen captaining the Delhi based IPL team in Dubai in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League.
Speaking about the same in a recent BCCI interview, Iyer said, “It’s certainly very very different from the last season but challenges excite me. And as a captain it is certainly going to be one of my most important assignments, just because of how different the setting is. It’s going to be a different IPL no doubt. And we will be without our fans in the stadium. But I think, that only makes us extra motivated to do this for them, the fans.”
Iyer was asked about the new players of the Capitals who were traded into the side from Kings Xi Punjab (Ravichandran Ashwin) and Rajasthan Royals (Ajinkya Rahane). Iyer explained, “Ashwin and Rahane are both individuals who are highly knowledgeable as players and have captained IPL teams before. So for me, this is an opportunity to use as a captain. I can reach out to them when I want to, and share and discuss with them.”
The 25-year-old scored 463 runs in 16 innings and under his captaincy Delhi Capitals finished at third position with nine wins from 14 matches. No wonder he looks forward to lead the side again alongside the head coach of Delhi Capitals Ricky Ponting. “I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with someone of his stature, so closely,” Iyer said.
“He’s such a legend and makes everyone, from the senior-most to the newest guy feel at home and as a part of this unit. As a captain, he gives me freedom and that has helped me grow as a cricketer.