Gautam Gambhir Shreyas Iyer Suryakumar Yadav for India. Image Credits: AFP
With the ongoing IPL 2026 already nearing its end, discussions have begun about the Indian Team's future plans in T20 cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is slowly shifting its focus to the next T20 World Cup cycle and the preparations for the big upcoming T20 events.
Amid these discussions, a report now claims that a major leadership change could occur in the Indian team soon after the IPL 2026.
It is important to note that Suryakumar Yadav has been leading India in T20Is and recently guided the ‘Men in Blue’ to a successful T20 World Cup title in 2026.
However, despite achieving success as captain, reports suggest that the BCCI selectors are considering a new leader for the next phase in the T20 format of the game.
Shreyas Iyer Set to Become New T20I Captain
According to recent reports of the Times of India, Shreyas Iyer is emerging as the frontrunner to replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's new T20I captain. The decision will reportedly be discussed ahead of India's upcoming white-ball tours of Ireland and England after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
Shreyas Iyer's strong performances in the ongoing IPL, both as a player and as a captain, have impressed the selectors. His calm approach and consistency with the bat are believed to have strengthened his case for the leadership role.
The management is also said to be looking at long-term planning with the T20 World Cup 2028 in mind.
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In the ongoing cash-rich league, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain has shown impressive form with the bat, scoring 333 runs in 9 innings at an average of 47.57 and a strike rate of 164.04. Shreyas Iyer's highest score came against the Delhi Capitals, where he scored 71 runs off 36 balls.
Poor Form Behind Suryakumar Yadav's Captaincy Uncertainty
While Suryakumar Yadav enjoyed success as captain, his recent batting form has reportedly become a major concern, according to the same report (TOI), and this is the vital reason that the BCCI is likely looking beyond him.
Apart from form, age is also believed to be a factor in the selectors' thinking as they look to build a younger core for the future. Reports claim that the BCCI wants stability in leadership ahead of a packed international calendar over the next few years.
It now remains to be seen whether Suryakumar Yadav will continue to feature in India's T20 plans purely as a batter if the captaincy change becomes official.
In the ongoing IPL 2026, SKY has struggled with form so far, managing just 195 runs in 10 innings at an average of 19.50 and a strike rate of 145.52. Before the IPL, in the T20 World Cup 2026, the star player made 242 runs in 9 innings at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72.
It is vital to note that earlier, as per the reports from cricblogger, Ishan Kishan's name also emerged in the list to be named as India's captain in the shortest format of the game.
Suryakumar Yadav Suffering From A Wrist Problem?
Suryakumar Yadav reportedly dealt with a wrist issue in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. According to the same report by the TOI, the injury first became noticeable during IPL 2025 and continued during the tournament preparations.
The report said Suryakumar often wore heavy tape on his right wrist during training and play. To avoid worsening the problem, he reportedly avoided exercises that put extra strain on the area. During the T20 World Cup, the wrist support routine became more visible.
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