Suryakumar Yadav opens up for first time since T20I snub post WC; ‘Because when everything is going well, then why?’

“Why” and “what” questions circulated on Suryakumar Yadav's mind after the former Indian captain was stripped off his leadership duties and dropped from the side following the T20 World Cup 2026 triumph at home. The decision shocked many, considering the fact that India didn't lose a single T20I series and won the T20 World Cup at home under Suryakumar.

While his captaincy was never in question, what fell in Suryakumar's case is his poor form with the bat over the past two years. The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee went past Suryakumar and appointed Shreyas Iyer the new T20I captain. Statistically, Suryakumar managed just 218 runs in 21 T20Is in 2025 with a best of 47 not out against Pakistan in Asia Cup.

In 2026, the right-hander managed 484 runs in 14 games, including two half-centuries, one of which came against United States of America at the Wankhede Stadium, during India's T20 World Cup campaign opener.

Speaking for the first time in an interview after getting dropped, Suryakumar admitted that although he initially left disappointed, he tried to come in terms with reality as he tried to put himself in the selector's shoes. "I was a little disappointed," Suryakumar said in conversation with former India cricketer Aakash Chopra in the latter's podcast.

"Because you have not lost a single series in two years. You have won the World Cup and the Asia Cup. Then you want the same thing to go forward. Because when everything is going well, then why? What is the reason for the change? What is the reason for the change? It was going on in my mind. I was sitting at home for a month and a half,” added Suryakumar.

‘Not thought that this would happen’

The right-hander admitted that his Indian Premier League (IPL) season with Mumbai Indians didn't go as he would have expected, but the questions kept on in his mind. The swashbuckling batter managed just 280 runs in 13 matches for Mumbai Indians, as his team finished ninth among 10 teams.

The decision came as a surprise to Suryakumar, who had felt that for th next two years till the 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics, things would not change. “Obviously, the situation that has come now, even I had not thought that this would happen," recalled Suryakumar.

“After coming in 2026, I felt that, going forward, I would be taking this team forward for another two years. The Olympics will come. Then there will be another T20 World Cup, another challenge going forward,” he said.

“I am ready. You can call me anytime'

Having said that, Suryakumar respected the selectors' call. When asked about the communication from the selectors, Suryakumar revealed that he was told about snub two-three days before the squads for the Ireland and England tour were announced. Suryakumar didn't react much to the call from the selectors, stating “I didn't react, because it's not my fault.”

The last time Suryakumar played any competitive cricket was during the T20 Mumbai League 2026 and reiterated that he is ready to serve his country again whenever required. “I am ready. You can call me anytime. I am playing cricket anytime. I will continue to play. Whenever you feel the time is right. Things are right,” he added.

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