Published on: May 8, 2026 4:56 pm IST|Updated on: May 8, 2026 4:56 pm IST
Multiple reports have been doing the rounds about a possible shakeup related to Team India’s T20I squad. According to a report from ‘The Times of India,’ the selectors are considering sacking the current Team India T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, who has been going through a lean patch for quite some time now. As a leader, there’s no doubt about the approach Surya has on the field, as he is the only international captain to not lose a single tournament or a bilateral series in T20Is as a leader. However, his form with the bat has made the selectors think beyond him.
The 2026 T20 World Cup-winning skipper has been enduring a torrid run of form in the format. His lackluster numbers have forced the selectors, who seem to have run out of breath with Surya’s lean form, to move forward with the right-hand batter.
According to the reports, the selectors are leaning towards injecting freshness into the team by bringing in Shreyas Iyer to the fold as the next skipper of India’s T20I side for the upcoming cycle, which starts with 2 T20Is in Ireland, followed by 5 T20I matches in England.
Take a look at Surya’s numbers in international T20Is closely.
The above table clearly depicts the struggle Suryakumar Yadav has endured during the course of his captaincy for Team India. The prolific right-hand batter was averaging around 44 before being the skipper, but after taking the leadership role, his average dropped to 25.88, a major drop of 17.72. Also, his striking ability took a toll, and the stark difference was seen in the 50s when he scored for the side. Before captaincy, Surya had 20 T20I fifties to his name, but after he took over the captaincy, he could only manage a mere 6 fifties to his name.
Team India will be starting a packed T20I calendar after the ongoing IPL 2026, into the buildup for the 2028 T20 World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics. Both these events have been marked as indispensable by the BCCI for Indian cricket, and the selectors are looking to avail the services of IPL 2024 winning skipper Shreyas Iyer to lead the Indian side in the near future.
India’s T20I calendar for 2026 is packed with high‑intensity away and home assignments. The summer begins with a short tour of Ireland followed by a demanding five‑match series against England, testing India’s adaptability in seamer‑friendly conditions. A quick turnaround sees them in Zimbabwe, where spin and batting depth will be crucial. Later in October, India host the West Indies for a five‑match home series across iconic venues, promising fireworks and crowd energy. The year closes with a festive clash against Sri Lanka, a three‑match series at home.
With Team India slated to play a plethora of T20Is in the calendar year 2026, we could see the end of Suryakumar Yadav for now and a new dawn of Indian cricket in T20Is under Shreyas Iyer.