Suryakumar Yadav likely to lose India T20I captaincy, Shreyas frontrunner to take over

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could be set for a significant leadership rethink in the men’s T20I setup, with India Today learning that captaincy discussions are likely to feature prominently in the upcoming selection meeting.

Sources told India Today that Suryakumar Yadav’s chances of continuing as India’s T20I captain appear slim, with the selectors understood to be seriously considering a change at the top in the shortest format.

Suryakumar was appointed India’s T20I captain following the team’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, taking over the role from Rohit Sharma as the side began transitioning towards a new era. Since then, he has remained a key figure in India’s T20 plans, but recent developments suggest the management may be looking towards a fresh leadership direction.

A major factor behind the rethink appears to be Suryakumar's recent form.

While his returns for India in 2026 have remained respectable, his struggles in the ongoing Indian Premier League have raised concerns. Representing Mumbai Indians this season, the 35-year-old has scored just 195 runs from 10 matches at an average of 19.5 and a strike rate of 145.52 — numbers that fall well below the standards expected of one of India’s premier T20 batters.

With India already beginning to shape plans for the next T20 cycle, age could also be part of the discussion. At 35, Suryakumar remains an experienced and valuable figure, but selectors may be weighing the benefits of handing the leadership role to someone who can anchor the team’s long-term plans.

Shreyas Iyer emerges as frontrunner

India Today has also learnt that Shreyas Iyer is currently the leading candidate to take over the T20I captaincy, with his recent performances as both leader and batter significantly boosting his credentials.

Iyer’s rise in the captaincy conversation comes as little surprise given his impact in the IPL over the past few seasons.

In 2024, he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup, working alongside Gautam Gambhir, as the franchise ended their long wait for an IPL title. His leadership credentials were further strengthened in 2025 when he moved to Punjab Kings and guided them to the final, helping transform the franchise into genuine contenders.

Punjab’s resurgence has continued into the current season as well, with the team firmly in the playoff mix, adding further weight to Iyer’s captaincy case.

The numbers that strengthen Iyer’s case

Beyond leadership, Iyer’s form with the bat has made an equally compelling argument.

Since moving to Punjab Kings, the right-hander has evolved into one of the most consistent and explosive Indian batters in the format. Across the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons, he has played 27 matches, scoring 937 runs at an average of 49.31 and a strike rate of 171, while registering 10 half-centuries.

Those numbers underline not just consistency, but the kind of aggressive scoring rate that modern T20 cricket demands.

For selectors, the appeal is obvious. If India are indeed considering a leadership reset, Iyer offers a blend of tactical experience, recent captaincy success and elite T20 form.

While no final decision has been taken yet, the upcoming selection meeting could provide a clearer indication of India’s plans. If the selectors do opt for change, Iyer appears to be the man best placed to lead India’s next generation in the shortest format.

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