Reports: Shreyas Iyer likely to leave Delhi Capitals to get leadership role in IPL 2022

In what can be called a major development, Shreyas Iyer is set to leave Delhi Capitals ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Having made his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has been a vital part of the Delhi-based franchise. Besides scoring a bulk of runs, the right-handed batter proved his mettle in the leadership role as well.

Taking over Delhi’s captaincy from Gautam Gambhir midway through IPL 2018, Iyer took his side to playoffs twice including a maiden appearance in the finals in 2020. Iyer was set to lead the Capitals in the 2021 season as well. However, an unfortunate shoulder injury ruled the 26-year-old out of the first leg. The Capitals subsequently named Rishabh Pant as their captain. While Iyer returned to the mix for the UAE leg, Pant continued to lead the side, having done well in the first installment.

Shreyas Iyer keen to get leadership role

As the southpaw took DC to the playoffs in IPL 2021, the franchise isn’t likely to reinstate Iyer as skipper. Owing to the same, Iyer might end his association with the Capitals. As per a report in The Times of India, the right-handed batter is keen to get the leadership role. Hence, he would land in the auction pool to ply his trade for some other team.

It has to be noted that two new sides are set to come in the picture next season, making IPL a 10-team competition. Also, many existing franchises like Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore would be hunting for a new skipper. With Iyer being a successful skipper in his own right, multiple franchises would like to bag his services.

Hence, one might see the DC batter going big under the hammer. Meanwhile, Iyer had said that he respects the franchise’s decision of continuing with Pant as skipper.

“This is part of the decision-making from the franchise or whatever decision they took, I respect the fact and Rishabh is leading the side well from the start of the season and they thought that he should be continued till the season end and I completely respect the decision,” Iyer said back then.

As of now, Iyer is featuring in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 as a reserve player for India. Following the conclusion of the competition, India are set to New Zealand in a white-ball series. Iyer would be determined to shine in national colours in order to fetch big bucks in the auction event.