Earlier this month, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee named Iyer as India’s new T20I captain, moving on from Suryakumar Yadav. Iyer is set to lead the side in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England in June and July.
Having spent the last two IPL seasons under Iyer at Punjab Kings, Vyshak said the Mumbai batter’s biggest strength is the way he treats every player equally.
“I think the way he treats everybody equally, that is the biggest thing because youngsters will be, obviously, under a lot of pressure. So, the way you handle them, speak to them, makes a lot of difference,” Vyshak told PTI.
The fast bowler also highlighted Iyer’s handling of Indian and uncapped players during the IPL.
“The IPL is a tough competition, and, you know, Indian players are the ones who are going to win the tournament for you. So, the way he handled all the Indian players, uncapped players, was calming and a lot of learnings (from it) for me and everyone, and it makes him a good leader,” he added.
Vyshak joined Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2025 and has seen Iyer’s development as both a captain and a cricketer from close quarters.
“From the first time that I have seen him in 2025, he has matured so much as a captain and player. Every day he is bringing new things on the table and every day he is eagerly wanting to try it out.
“He has this fire and aura that he carries every time he goes into the field, as he wants to win it no matter what and the way he handles himself and the way he handles everybody in the team, it’s such a pleasure,” he said.
The 29-year-old, who played 10 matches this IPL season, also credited Iyer for showing faith in him and giving him the confidence to perform.
“I’ve always told myself that every time I play, I want to improve at least 1%. Every time I go to practise, I want to improve 1%. So, that has been the motto for me. That is what has been keeping me on my toes every time.
“Every day I wake up and then tell myself that I want to go and improve myself. And this year (IPL) was a very good opportunity for me because you know, last year I could not play as much.
“But now I feel very happy that I got more opportunities and I could showcase more of my bowling skills. Obviously, with Shreyas being there, he has guided me so much, and he has always given me the confidence, saying no matter what, don’t worry, just back yourself, and we are there to back you,” he elaborated.
“So, if you do well, there’s a lot of confidence that you carry, and it should help me grow as a cricketer and individually as well,” he signed off.
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