Shreyas Iyer Calls ODI Captaincy Tiring After Series Win Over New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer says leading a team in 50-over cricket is hard work because a captain must keep thinking for the whole match. Iyer led India to a 22-run win against New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, which gave India a 3-1 series victory. Speaking after the match, Iyer explained that ODI captaincy drains his energy because his mind has to stay active across all 50 overs. He noted that the game changes speed, moving from slow periods to sudden excitement, which helps him read the match.

Different Views

Iyer also disagreed with head coach Gautam Gambhir about India's batting struggles on the tour. After India got out for just 89 runs in the fourth match, Gambhir had raised worries about the team's batting. Iyer stated that conditions in New Zealand cannot be compared to South Africa, pointing out that pitches in this series helped bowlers from both sides and the main goal was simply to win the trophy. Reflecting on that heavy defeat in the fourth game, Iyer mentioned the team put the loss behind them right away without holding any long meetings. He praised New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry for bowling very fast and with great skill in that match.

Context

Captaincy in limited-overs cricket requires constant tactical changes in field settings and bowling changes depending on how the match is moving. Teams often play in very different weather and pitch conditions when travelling abroad, which makes overseas bilateral series a major test for touring sides.