Shreyas Iyer is set to leave Delhi Capitals ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Having made his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has been a vital part of the Delhi-based franchise. Taking over Delhi’s captaincy from Gautam Gambhir midway through IPL 2018, Iyer took his side to playoffs twice including a maiden appearance in the finals in 2020. Iyer was set to lead the Capitals in the 2021 season as well. However, an unfortunate shoulder injury ruled the 26-year-old out of the first leg. The Capitals subsequently named Rishabh Pant as their captain. While Iyer returned to the mix for the UAE leg, Pant continued to lead the side, having done well in the first installment.
As the southpaw took DC to the playoffs in IPL 2021, the franchise isn’t likely to reinstate Iyer as skipper. Owing to the same, Iyer might end his association with the Capitals. As per a report in The Times of India, the right-handed batter is keen to get the leadership role. Hence, he would land in the auction pool to ply his trade for some other team. Under Pant’s leadership, DC ended the league stages as the table toppers with 20 points. However, back-to-back losses, against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata knight Riders, ended their journey in the tournament. Earlier, Iyer had stated that he respects the decision of the franchise to continue with Pant as the DC captain. “This is part of the decision-making from the franchise or whatever decision they took, I respect the fact and Rishabh is leading the side well from the start of the season and they thought that he should be continued till the season end and I completely respect the decision,” Iyer said back then.
