NEW DELHI: India’s newly-appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has made it clear that taking over the leadership role will not change who he is, insisting that he would rather stay true to the values that shaped him than try to emulate anyone else.The 31-year-old, who was named India’s new T20I skipper on Saturday in place of Suryakumar Yadav, said he intends to carry the same mindset and personality that helped him navigate the fiercely competitive cricket culture in Mumbai. “I don’t have to change my personality. I have to be the same person how I was before, and not try to be someone else or be under someone’s shadow,” Iyer said.The batter added that he had always thrived on competition and challenges from a young age.“I obviously loved challenges growing up, especially being from Mumbai, where the cricket is pretty big, competition is high. Every other kid on the street, they want to represent Mumbai,” he said.

‘My mindset was always about winning’

Iyer said his competitive streak had always revolved around winning and enjoying the game, something that he believes helped shape his personality as a cricketer.“My mindset was always about winning, against everyone that I challenged so whether it’s about learning or winning that is secondary, but more fun you have growing up, the more competitive nature you have, especially while you play cricket or any other sport in general,” said Iyer.“I think that takes you to another level and you want to take that sort of responsibility (and) even when I’ve got this job right now, or a responsibility as a captain. It’s a great challenge at the same time,” he added.The appointment marks a remarkable comeback for Iyer, who had fallen out of India’s T20I plans after his last appearance in December 2023. He now returns not only as a middle-order batter but also as the man entrusted with leading the side in the format.His first assignment as captain will be the two-match T20I series in Ireland.

Ganguly backs selectors’ call

Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly backed the decision to hand Iyer the leadership role, saying the Mumbai batter had earned the honour through his performances.“Shreyas has done well, he has earned it. I would not say that the removal of Suryakumar Yadav is unfair. The selectors have made a decision,” Ganguly said.Iyer replaces Suryakumar, who led India to the T20 World Cup title in March but was omitted from the latest squad.