Suryakumar Yadav to Be Removed as India’s T20I Captain Despite World Cup Win, Shreyas Iyer Next in Line

Averaging 28.65, Suryakumar Yadav has compiled 1,232 runs across 52 matches while captaining, reflecting his distinct leadership tenure.

Suryakumar Yadav to Be Removed as India’s T20I Captain Despite World Cup Win, Shreyas Iyer Next in Line

Suryakumar Yadav might be removed from Indian T20I captaincy, with Shreyas Iyer a possible replacement. (via NDTV Sports)

In Short
  • Suryakumar Yadav is set to be removed as India's T20I captain following a disappointing performance and ongoing wrist injury.
  • Shreyas Iyer is the leading candidate to replace Yadav as captain, with selectors considering a leadership overhaul.
  • Yadav's poor batting form, including low scores in recent tournaments, has contributed to the decision to change leadership.

The Indian T20I team is anticipated to undergo a major leadership shift, with Suryakumar Yadav likely to be removed as captain this summer. Shreyas Iyer is considered a frontrunner to replace Yadav, who has been leading India in the shortest format since 2024.

Yadav’s tenure as India’s T20I captain is at a critical crossroads, despite his immense success. He was appointed captain in 2024 following the Men in Blues’ victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, taking over the demanding role from Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format after the final in Barbados. Despite initial doubts about his limited leadership background, Yadav’s tenure saw India rise as a formidable force. 

As captain, he remains the only Indian T20I captain to have never lost a bilateral series or a tournament in which he led the side, including the 2026 World Cup. However, considering his age, the BCCI is expected to discuss a significant leadership overhaul, with the captaincy change being a key agenda item for the upcoming selection committee meeting to decide India’s squads for the tours to Ireland and England.

Suryakumar Yadav’s chances of continuing as India’s T20I skipper appear slim, with a driving factor being his poor batting form. He scored 242 runs in nine matches during the World Cup, at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72, with his only notable innings an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls against the USA.

The 35-year-old’s struggles have continued in IPL 2026 as well, with him having scored 195 runs in 10 matches at an average of 19.5, numbers that are below the standards expected from him. 

With the next T20I cycle in mind, the selectors might look for a fresh new face, effectively anchoring long-term plans. Shreyas Iyer has turned out to be the leading contender to replace Yadav. It would also mean a return to the Indian T20I side for the 31-year-old, who has not played in the format since 2023. Shreyas Iyer’s candidature stems from him having led three different IPL franchises to the final.

In addition to the PBKS captain, other potential contenders for the T20I captaincy include RCB’s Rajat Patidar. GT’s Shubman Gill, who captains India in Tests and ODIs but is not currently in the T20I squad, is also being considered.

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Painful innings: Suryakumar Yadav struggled through the T20 World Cup with wrist injury

A recent report claims that Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been struggling with a wrist injury, which explains the reason why he has failed to score big. The 35-year-old, who guided the Men in Blue to their third T20 WC title this year, has experienced a tough run of form. 

Suryakumar Yadav injury
Suryakumar Yadav played the 2026 T20 World Cup with a wrist injury. (via X)

The Mumbai batter’s form has been one of the key reasons why he might soon lose his T20I captaincy. The only player to be named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year twice, Yadav, had quickly ascended to become one of the most versatile batters, following his debut in 2021. However, his struggles began after the 2024 T20 WC, as he went without an international fifty for more than a year. 

While he managed to resurrect his form with three half-centuries against New Zealand earlier this year, Yadav once again struggled to perform during the 2026 T20 WC. A recent media report has now shed light on the reason behind his poor form, which is a wrist injury that he has been battling with for over a year now. ‘Sky’ even batted throughout the World Cup with his wrist heavily taped up by the doctor.

Despite the injury, Suryakumar Yadav did play a key role in helping MI make it to the 2025 IPL play-offs. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, having scored 717 runs at an average of 65.18 and a blistering strike-rate of 167.91. 

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