Suryakumar Yadav on India Axe: “I Smiled” When I Saw the Squad

Suryakumar Yadav has said his first reaction to finding his name missing from India’s T20I squad was to smile. Speaking on Aakash Chopra’s Baith and Bol show, he explained that he has always responded to pressure or setbacks by staying relaxed, and that this time was no different.

A surprise he did not see coming

Suryakumar admitted he had not expected to be dropped in 2026. After leading India through a successful spell, he believed he would carry the side into the next phase of the T20I cycle.

He said the selectors got in touch a few days before the squad was named and told him they felt it was time to go in another direction. He did not respond badly, he said, accepting that the panel must have thought the change was best for the team.

Pride in what the team achieved

The batter looked back on his record as captain with pride. India stayed unbeaten in T20I series under him and won both the Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

He conceded the decision was disappointing precisely because the side had done so well. Even so, he said he respected the appointment of Shreyas Iyer, calling him a talented player, a good person and a capable captain.

Determined to return

The blow was hard to take at first, but Suryakumar says he remains committed to playing for India. He acknowledged that his IPL form had fallen short of his own standards, yet said he is ready to represent the country whenever the chance arrives.

The former skipper made clear he has no intention of walking away. He plans to keep working hard and wait for another opportunity to win back his place.