Sanju Samson frontrunner to become India's next T20I captain as one major criterion goes against Shreyas Iyer: Report

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Sanju Samson, the T20 World Cup 2026 Player of the Tournament, is the frontrunner to become India's next captain and the change of guard might just happen in the next series against Ireland and England. However, the report also states that there is a chance Suryakumar will be the captain for these two series, but his form will be closely monitored by the committee.

If Suryakumar indeed goes as the skipper to the UK, then Sanju will travel as his deputy. 2026 has been exceptional for the right-handed batter. The 31-year-old Samson, who did not start the T20 World Cup, eventually came into the lineup to play three clutch knocks in the must-win games against the West Indies (Super 8s), England (semi-final) and New Zealand (final) to be named as the Player of the Tournament.

The selection committee feels that Sanju has been a part of India's T20I setup, whereas Shreyas hasn't played a match for India in the shortest format since December 2023. Moreover, the selectors are also impressed with Samson and his ability to stay calm in the most tense situations.

The report further claimed that the think tank wants Shreyas to earn his place in the T20I setup first, and only then will he be considered for the top job.

However, if Suryakumar's dip in form continues, then Shreyas can become a natural fit in India's T20I middle-order. The right-handed batter, who is currently leading the Punjab Kings, has already won an IPL with KKR, while he also led the Punjab and Delhi franchises to the finals of the IPL edition.

Speaking of Samson, he has captaincy experience too, having previously led the Rajasthan Royals. He also took the franchise to the final of an IPL edition in the 2022 season.

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