India’s former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has shared his views on the comparison between the current T20I captain Shreyas Iyer and former skipper Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on Thursday (October 22).

Nayar said that the comparison is unfair because Iyer has already played several matches in overseas conditions, while Suryakumar played more matches at home before leading India to the ICC T20 World Cup title earlier this year at home. Well, India vs New Zealand series to feature new sonic edge-detection technology.

Abhishek Nayar explains why Shreyas Iyer should not be compared with Suryakumar Yadav

Abhishek Nayar explained that India's schedule under Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer has been different. Before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, India played many matches at home and in familiar subcontinental conditions.

However, since Iyer took charge, the Men in Blue have travelled to Ireland, England, Zimbabwe, and Japan and are now set to play five T20Is in New Zealand.

Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Out or Not Out,' Abhishek Nayar said, "It is not about whether he is worthy or not in comparison to Surya, because, at that time, India played a lot of series in India. They did not travel a lot. After Shreyas Iyer took up captaincy, they have gone to England, and now they are going to New Zealand.

So, a lot of the T20Is have been played away from home, in Zimbabwe and Japan. I remember that, building up to the T20 World Cup, we were playing a lot more at home and in subcontinental conditions than away. So, that comparison is out of the way.”

Earn respect of everyone: Abhishek Nayar sends big message to Shreyas Iyer

Nayar believes that winning the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand could be a big achievement for Iyer as captain, and that would also give the captain confidence and help him earn the respect of his teammates.

The former Indian coach further added, “Whenever you go to New Zealand and win in foreign conditions, I think that captain will feel in control of the team and earn the respect of everyone around him, because that's where you are judged the most.

So, if you win, like they say, it is a star on your chest, going to New Zealand and winning the series. It did not happen in England, but it happened here, if it does happen. So, it will be one of those things for him personally, that 'I can win abroad as well' as a captain.”

Shreyas Iyer's record as India captain

Shreyas Iyer has had mixed results as India's T20I captain. In 21 matches, Mumbai has led the team to 11 victories and suffered eight defeats, while two matches ended without a result. His winning percentage stands at just over 52 percent as of now.

The Men in Blue have suffered six of those defeats overseas, while two against the West Indies at home. However, Iyer has led India to an Asian Games gold medal in Japan and won the series against Zimbabwe away from home, along with a win against Afghanistan in India. Amid this, Hardik Pandya rejects India comeback until one condition is met.

Suryakumar Yadav's record sets a high standard

Suryakumar has set a high standard for India's T20I captain. He has recorded 40 victories in 52 matches, with eight defeats, two ties, and two matches ending without a result. His winning percentage of 76.92 makes him one of the most successful T20I captains in the world.