India T20I squad for Ireland and England series: Shreyas Iyer named captain, Suryakumar dropped; Sooryavanshi gets maiden call-up

A new era begins for India’s T20I side. At the centre of it is a familiar face.

More than two-and-a-half years after he last played a T20I for India, Shreyas Iyer returned—not just as a member of the squad, but as its captain for the tours of Ireland and England, succeeding Suryakumar Yadav at the helm.

The appointment marks a remarkable turnaround for Shreyas, whose international future appeared uncertain not too long ago. But a prolific domestic season, consistent performances across formats and an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign have helped him force his way back into the selectors’ plans. Now, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading India’s next-generation T20 side.

Alongside him is Tilak Varma, named vice-captain and viewed by the selectors as a long-term leadership prospect. The left-hander has steadily grown in stature over the last couple of years and is increasingly being seen as one of the pillars around whom India’s future white-ball plans could revolve.

And then, there is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

At 15, most teenagers are worrying about school assignments, board examinations or what lies ahead after them. Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, is preparing for international cricket.

His rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. In a matter of months, he has gone from being a prodigious talent spoken about in age-group circles to one of the most exciting young names in Indian cricket. A maiden India call-up would be another giant leap in a journey that seems to be gathering pace with every passing week. For now, though, he remains a shy teenager carrying a bat, a dream and the weight of enormous expectations.

“We are very careful about his future, and our selectors and our technical persons are monitoring his every step,” said Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the BCCI.

The squad itself reflects a team in transition, but one that is far from short on talent.

Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan provide two experienced wicketkeeping options, while Abhishek Sharma, Tilak and Nitish Kumar Reddy bring an aggressive, fearless approach at the top and in the middle order.

Shivam Dube’s power-hitting remains a valuable weapon, particularly against pace, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar continue to offer the balance and flexibility that modern T20 sides crave.

The bowling attack has a familiar core. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace unit, with Harshit Rana and Prince Yadav adding youthful energy and raw pace. In the spin department, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy offer contrasting skills and proven wicket-taking ability in the shortest format.

The Ireland and England tours may not define careers, but they could provide a glimpse into the direction Indian cricket intends to take in the years ahead — a returning leader looking to cement his place, a young deputy being groomed for bigger responsibilities and a group of emerging cricketers eager to turn promise into permanence.

The names are on paper. The real test begins when the English summer does.

THE SQUAD

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

Published on Jun 06, 2026

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