Following a dismal IPL 2026 campaign, Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly set to be removed as India’s T20I captain. The BCCI will make its final call ahead of the upcoming Ireland and England series later this month. There have been concerns over Surya’s form and consistency since he led India to its third T20 World Cup glory earlier this year. The Indian cricket board, having consulted with the team management, has decided to appoint a new T20 captain for the next assignments, keeping the future in mind. Surya may even lose his place in the team.
Why is BCCI Considering a Change in India’s T20I Captaincy?
The Mumbai Indians batter has struggled to showcase his A-game in the IPL this season, while the five-time champions finished ninth in the standings. Surya has scored only 270 runs in 13 innings, including just one half-century.
“Under Surya’s captaincy, the team did win the T20 World Cup, but keeping his form and future in mind, they felt it’s time to move on. He won’t be considered for selection, and the decision will be conveyed to Surya soon,” a BCCI official revealed to the Indian Express.
Why Could Suryakumar Yadav Lose India T20I Captaincy Despite World Cup Success?
Suryakumar Yadav took over the charge after Rohit Sharma retired from the shortest format after the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Under Surya’s captaincy, the Men in Blue have dominated the T20I circuit over the last two years, but his individual performance has dipped. Now, if Surya is dropped, the question is: “Who will be India’s next T20 captain?”
Is Shreyas Iyer Set to Become India’s New T20I Captain?
Recent reports suggest that the BCCI has already chosen Surya’s replacement at the helm, with Shreyas Iyer leading the race. Iyer has already gained much experience, leading multiple franchises in the IPL. Currently, the Punjab Kings skipper, Iyer, is expected to be Surya’s successor, with Tilak Varma serving as his deputy.
Sanju Samson, who was one of India’s key players in the 2026 T20 World Cup, also remains in contention to replace Suryakumar Yadav as the captain. Samson continued his form in the IPL, aggregating 477 runs in 14 games for CSK, including two centuries and one fifty. The Indian team management can also trust the in-form batter while selecting the new T20I captain. The BCCI, however, has yet to make an official announcement regarding Surya’s replacement.
