Iyer’s leadership is now becoming a central point in discussions about who the best captain in the IPL is. As Punjab Kings go for their first title in nineteen years, Irfan Pathan, a former Indian player who was an all-rounder, says Iyer is already at the level of Dhoni, Sharma and Gambhir, and could even be better than them if Punjab win this year.
A captaincy profile built on adaptability
Pathan believes Iyer deserves this recognition because it’s rare for a captain to have a big effect on more than one team in the IPL. He’s taken his ability to lead from one group of players to another, and hasn’t lost his ability to get the team to follow him.
Iyer took Delhi Capitals to their first ever final in 2020, then led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third championship, and has since made Punjab Kings real contenders. Punjab got to the final last year, and they’re still among the top teams this year, with Iyer being key to their success.
The way he leads is what’s most noticeable. Punjab have often been a team that frequently starts over and nearly wins, but doesn’t. With Iyer as captain, they now seem more solid. His own runs come when the pressure is on, and help the team win close games.
Pathan’s verdict and the stakes ahead
On JioStar’s ‘Out or Not’ show, Pathan said Iyer is “right up there among the best captains,” in the same group as Dhoni, Sharma and Gambhir – a list of very successful leaders.
Pathan points out how Iyer is different from the other great captains. Dhoni won all his trophies with Chennai Super Kings, Rohit Sharma with Mumbai Indians, and Gautam Gambhir two with Kolkata Knight Riders. Iyer’s argument for being great is that he’s done it with different franchises.
According to Pathan, no one else in IPL history has gotten three different teams to the final. It’s obvious: Iyer’s ability to adjust, not just the trophies he’s won, are what make him a strong candidate for the best captain.
The numbers behind the claim
Here are the benchmarks that make Pathan’s point compelling:
– Delhi Capitals reached their first final in 2020
– Kolkata Knight Riders won their third championship under Iyer
– Three different franchises reached finals under his captaincy
– Punjab reached the final last season and stayed near the top this year
Why this season feels like a turning point
Because of Iyer, Punjab now feel steady, are doing well in competition, and are working efficiently. You can see Iyer’s effect in how clearly the team is chosen, how clearly players know what they are supposed to do, and in how they bat when under pressure.
Pathan says Dhoni ‘won all five trophies with CSK,’ and Rohit and Gambhir both won all their titles while at one team. Iyer has done something completely different: a story that goes across teams, the way the team feels, and the people who support it.
What a title would change
If Punjab win, they’ll finally get a championship after nineteen seasons. And for Iyer, it’s about what he’ll be remembered for. Pathan thinks another trophy would put him ahead of everyone else, being the captain who won with Kolkata Knight Riders and also with Punjab.
He says directly: win one more with Punjab and he ‘will surpass everyone.’ Winning is important, but so is how you win. Iyer has taken a less common route to success.
The bigger picture for IPL captaincy
The way Pathan is talking about this asks the IPL to think differently about how it sees leadership. If being consistently successful with one team makes you great, then being consistently successful with many teams might be even better. Iyer is now in that position, with the playoff games approaching and the conversation moving from if he can do it, to if he can prove he can do it.
Punjab haven’t finished the job yet. Iyer’s chance is more than just this season.
