India are reportedly set to appoint a new T20I captain, with Suryakumar Yadav said to be heading out of the leadership role and possibly the squad altogether.
What the report says
According to The Indian Express, the BCCI, working with the selection committee and team management, has chosen a different captain for the next T20 cycle. Concerns over Suryakumar’s recent form are cited as a reason he may also be dropped from the T20I set-up.
The 35-year-old captained India to the T20 World Cup title just before IPL 2026, which would make the move notable if confirmed. A senior BCCI official reportedly said the decision, taken in consultation with coach Gautam Gambhir, acknowledges the World Cup win but considers his form and future, and that he will not be selected, with the decision to be passed on to him soon.
Possible successors
Discussion has already turned to who might take over:
- Shreyas Iyer is seen as a leading candidate because of his captaincy record in the IPL over recent seasons, even though he has not played a T20I for India since December 2023.
- Tilak Varma has emerged as a promising option after steady displays in recent international tournaments.
- Axar Patel, vice-captain at the T20 World Cup, is unlikely to be considered after a mixed spell as an IPL captain.
Fixtures ahead
India’s next T20I commitments are a two-match series against Ireland and then a five-match tour of England. The BCCI’s final decision is expected before that schedule begins.
