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Raina Hails Shreyas Iyer’s Fearless Leadership and Aggressive Brand of Cricket

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has praised Shreyas Iyer’s fearless leadership and ability to bring a different brand of cricket to every team he leads in the IPL. Raina highlighted Iyer’s results across franchises like Delhi, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab, including leading Punjab to a final after 11 years. He compared Iyer’s body language and confidence to former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Raina noted that Iyer’s leadership combines calmness with bold decision-making, which is crucial in the T20 format.

Key Points: Raina Praises Shreyas Iyer’s Fearless Captaincy in IPL

  • Raina calls Iyer a fearless leader who brings a fresh, aggressive style to every IPL team
  • Iyer has delivered results for Delhi, KKR, and Punjab, including a final after 11 years
  • Raina compares Iyer’s body language and confidence to former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin
  • Iyer combines composure with bold decision-making, crucial for T20 format
2 min read

'He brings a different brand of cricket': Raina praises Shreyas Iyer's leadership

Suresh Raina praises Shreyas Iyer’s fearless leadership, comparing him to Mohammad Azharuddin. Iyer leads Punjab Kings in IPL 2026 with a bold brand of cricket.

"Wherever he has gone, whichever franchise he has played for, he has brought a different brand of cricket. He has been fearless as a Captain and has led from the front. - Suresh Raina"

New Delhi, May 6

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has showered praise on Shreyas Iyer, calling him a fearless leader who has consistently brought a fresh and aggressive style of cricket to every team he has represented in the Indian Premier League.

Raina said that one of Iyer's biggest strengths is his ability to adapt quickly and create a strong identity for his side, no matter which franchise he plays for.

"Wherever he has gone, whichever franchise he has played for, he has brought a different brand of cricket. He has been fearless as a Captain and has led from the front," Raina told Jio Hotstar.

The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter highlighted how Iyer has delivered results across teams like Delhi, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab, proving his value as a leader.

"Be it Delhi, KKR, or even Punjab, they played the final last year after a gap of 11 years. You can see why he is a good Captain, because the communication off the field seems to be brilliant. He backs his players," he added.

Raina also drew a comparison between Iyer and former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, especially in terms of body language and the confidence they bring to the team.

"When you see him walk around with that swag, his body language reminds me of Azhar bhai. When Mohammad Azharuddin used to be the Captain, the players around him had a different level of confidence," Raina noted.

According to Raina, Iyer's leadership stands out because it combines calmness with bold decision-making, something that is crucial in the fast-paced T20 format.

"Everyone has a different style of leadership, and with Shreyas, you get both composure and bold decision-making. When Punjab bat, you see them going all-out attack, and similarly with the bowling as well," Raina concluded.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) currently lead the IPL 2026 points table with 13 points after nine matches. Led by captain Shreyas Iyer, the team started the season with a dominant seven-match unbeaten streak but has recently faced back-to-back losses against the Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. They will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
Jacob K
Impressive how Iyer has made an impact everywhere he goes. From DC to KKR to now PBKS - each team looked different under him. The fearless brand of cricket he promotes is exactly what Indian cricket needs more of.
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Vikram M
I agree with Raina's assessment but let's not get carried away. Iyer is a good captain but he needs to prove himself in more high-pressure knockout games. The real test comes in the playoffs, not just league stages. Still, credit where it's due - his communication and backing of players is top-notch.
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Rachel V
The way PBKS batters are going all-out is so refreshing to watch. Iyer has given them complete freedom. Reminds me of how KKR played under Gambhir back in the day - fearless, attacking, no fear of failure. That's the brand of cricket that wins trophies.
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Siddharth J
Raina himself was a brilliant reader of the game, so his words carry weight. Iyer's ability to bring composure and boldness together is rare. The Azhar comparison is spot on - both have that effortless style. Just wish Iyer would stay fit for the national team selection!
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Kavya N
What Iyer has done with PBKS is nothing short of remarkable. From perennial underperformers to IPL table toppers? That's leadership right there. The way he backs players like Prabhsimran and Sam Curran shows he trusts his team completely. Exciting times for Punjab fans! 🏏🔥

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