Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - Newly-appointed India T20 international captain Shreyas Iyer has made it clear that leadership will not change his personality, asserting that he has no intention of living under anyone else's shadow as he prepares to lead the national side in the shortest format.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai after being named India's new T20 international skipper, Iyer said the responsibility is a challenge he is ready to embrace, drawing confidence from his journey through Mumbai's highly competitive cricket culture. 
"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, adding that growing up in Mumbai's intense cricket environment helped shape his competitive mindset.

The 31-year-old was officially announced as India's T20I captain by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday, succeeding Suryakumar Yadav, who guided India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year. Iyer's appointment comes after a remarkable resurgence in his career. After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 alongside mentor Gautam Gambhir, Iyer often found his captaincy contributions overshadowed. He later moved to Punjab Kings and steered the side to the IPL final, strengthening his credentials as a leader.

Reflecting on his approach, Iyer said his focus has always been on winning and embracing competition. "My mindset was always about winning. The more fun you have growing up, the more competitive nature you develop. That eventually makes you want to take responsibility," he said.

Iyer's first assignment as India's T20I captain will be a two-match series against Ireland later this month, followed by a five-match tour of England in July and the upcoming Asian Games, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his leadership journey.