Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 8: India’s T20I captaincy could be headed for another major change, with selectors reportedly considering relieving Suryakumar Yadav of leadership duties ahead of the national team’s upcoming assignments after IPL 2026.
According to reports, the Indian think-tank has grown concerned over Suryakumar’s prolonged poor form with the bat and is looking to bring fresh leadership into the shortest format ahead of the next T20 cycle leading up to the 2028 World Cup and Los Angeles Olympics.
Shreyas Iyer is emerging as the frontrunner not only for a return to India’s T20I squad but also as a potential captain for the upcoming series against Ireland and England.
India are scheduled to play two T20Is in Ireland followed by a five-match series in England later this year.
Despite leading India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, Suryakumar’s batting performances during the tournament reportedly failed to impress selectors. He scored 242 runs in nine innings, with a significant portion of those runs coming in a single innings against the USA.
Sources indicated that concerns have also grown over the 35-year-old batter’s recurring wrist issue, which he has reportedly been managing while continuing to play through pain and discomfort.
During recent tournaments, including the T20 World Cup, Suryakumar was frequently seen with heavy taping on his right wrist and reportedly avoided exercises that placed pressure on the injured area.
Team sources revealed that the Indian medical staff regularly attended to the wrist before training sessions, though the issue was largely kept away from public attention.
Since taking over India’s T20I captaincy in July 2024, Suryakumar has scored 932 runs in 45 matches but has struggled for consistency.
Although he boasts an impressive captaincy record — including triumphs in the 2025 Asia Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup — selectors are believed to be weighing factors such as form, fitness and age while planning for the future.
Apart from Shreyas Iyer, names like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are also understood to be in contention for leadership roles. However, Iyer appears to have moved ahead in the race due to his successful leadership stints with multiple IPL franchises in recent seasons.
An official announcement regarding the squads and captaincy is expected after the IPL concludes.