Raina said that one of Iyer\u2019s biggest strengths is his ability to adapt quickly and create a strong identity for his side, no matter which franchise he plays for.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWherever 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,\u201d Raina told Jio Hotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBe 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen 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,\u201d Raina noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to Raina, Iyer\u2019s leadership stands out because it combines calmness with bold decision-making, something that is crucial in the fast-paced T20 format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen 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,\u201d Raina noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n