IPL 2022: Ravi Shastri and Ian Bishop on what stands out from Shreyas Iyer as captain

Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri and former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop believe that Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Shreyas Iyer is a natural captain and it is the clarity of thoughts in the Indian cricketer’s mind that has impressed him the most.

Shreyas Iyer was given the responsibility of leading KKR ahead of the Indian Premier League 2022 and the Mumbaikar did well to lead them three wins out in their first four games before KKR lost the following two fixtures against Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Shastri claims Iyer will only get better and better as the tournament progresses.

While speaking on Cricket Live on Star Sports, Shastri said, “Captaincy comes naturally to Shreyas (Iyer). Look at his aggressive captaincy, you don’t feel like he’s leading KKR for the first time. Looks like he’s been captaining them for the last 3 to 4 seasons and it is visible through his clarity of thoughts.”

“His mindset is clear about what brand of cricket he needs to play as a batter. At the same time, he’s aware of what he as a captain needs to do to take his team to the playoffs and win the title. I’ve liked the way he’s spoken during the pre and post-match conferences and that shows he’s clear with his plans. I am convinced he’ll go a long way.”

Ian Bishop also backed Shreyas Iyer to come back stronger after back-to-back defeats in the last two games against DC and SRH because he possesses a good brain and also has the support of some seasoned campaigners in the KKR side.

While speaking on Cricket Live on Star Sports, Ian Bishop said, “I think despite suffering back-to-back defeats, it is possible for Shreyas to regather his troops and bounce back. When he became captain of the Delhi Capitals, he just got them better and better with every season.”

“It will take him a little settling period here (at KKR) but he’s got some seasoned campaigners around him. Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are experienced players. Coach Brendon McCullum is also very experienced. So I have no doubt that Shreyas will get the guys going.”