It could be said that following India’s clinical, consistent and classy performance at the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup, everything fell in place for the home side at the right time except one fan favourite element that has perhaps kept some or most of us wondering about a famous cricketer’s presence with the side.
No, we aren’t talking about the iconic Kohli who’s already called time on his T20I career but remembering Shreyas Iyer. Always consistent, ever so capable and a noted strokemaker- Iyer has entertained and inspired in equal measure. A committed team man who has placed the objectives of his side over his own ambitions, the respected right hander from Mumbai has, over the years, become a noted member of the Indian white ball format cricket.
But he couldn’t play this World Cup.
Following the team’s euphoric win, famous former cricketer Irfan Pathan had the following to say in the context of India’s usual top order batter:
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Shreyas Iyer might feel disappointed about missing out on India’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning squad ahead of IPL 2026. However, Pathan also expressed confidence that the Punjab Kings captain will continue to shine for his franchise in the upcoming season. IPL 2026 is set to begin on March 28, and Iyer will aim to guide Punjab Kings to their first-ever IPL title after the team finished runners-up last season. Speaking during a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan agreed that Iyer would likely feel the absence from India’s T20I setup heading into the IPL. Pathan said the middle-order batter certainly has the quality to feature in India’s T20 side and that the team also has room for a player of his skill set in the middle order. According to the former all-rounder, the thought of not being part of the squad will remain with Iyer, but it is unlikely to affect his performances.
He further described Iyer as a proven cricketer and an integral part of India’s ODI core.
Pathan also praised the right-hander’s leadership credentials in T20 cricket and highlighted his consistent performances in the format.
The former India star added that Iyer’s ability against spin bowling is one of his biggest strengths. He also noted that the batter will look to build on the improvements he has shown against pace bowling and continue developing his game.
