Indian cricket seems to be on the verge of a fresh phase in the T20 format with significant changes to the leadership ahead of their next tour of Ireland and England. The selection committee is said to be in the process of giving the captaincy to young batsman Shreyas Iyer and making Tilak Varma vice-captain.
The selection highlights a major change in India’s white-ball strategy, where the management is preparing to develop a leadership team for the future after the recent tournaments. The final squad is likely to be confirmed once the selectors meet in Mumbai.
The most significant change seems to be the current leadership structure being replaced. Though Suryakumar Yadav has been a great success for India in the past, the inconsistencies in his form have been understood to have influenced the selectors’ minds. The management are now searching for a captain who can have experience in the leadership as well as a safe berth in the playing XI.
However, with his impressive track record in franchise cricket, Shreyas looks like a good contender. He has built a reputation of being one of the most steady captains in T20 cricket in recent years. His pressure management has also given him a good shot at a bigger role in the international circuit, as has his experience leading teams to great depths in tournaments.
Internal discussion is said to have taken place regarding the several names that were considered. Some in the coaching camp were thought to have preferred other names but the ultimate verdict was in favour of Shreyas due to his leadership qualities and capacity to perform in pressure situations.
It could also prove fruitful between Shreyas and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The duo has had a successful partnership in franchise cricket, where they have fostered a culture of success by their strategic approach and cool decision-making.
Tilak Varma’s appointment as vice-captain would be another significant move in his meteoric rise. The left-hander has proven himself to be one of India’s most promising T20 batsman, and is now seen as a future leader in the Indian team.
Yet another youngster who is creating a buzz is Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The young star has come through his domestic and franchise season with flying colours and it is thought he would be in the selectors’ thoughts at the moment. He was reported to be available for future India A situations, before possibly moving up to the senior team.
However, the team selection is not the only point on the agenda being discussed in the BCCI. Board officials have also been looking at policy issues regarding player retirement and overseas leaguing. As more Indian cricketers seek international career prospects, the administrators are now looking at tougher standards for players to meet and even return to the domestic cricket leagues.
With India embarking on a hectic international schedule, the likely appointments of Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma could herald a new leadership cycle in the team that will influence the future of the squad in the shortest format of the game.
