![Shreyas Iyer formally replaced Suryakumar Yadav [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780739726520_suryakumaryadavIndia.jpg?type=hq)
Shreyas Iyer formally replaced Suryakumar Yadav [Source: AFP]
On June 6, the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee announced the India T20I squad vs Ireland and England. While Shreyas Iyer replaced Suryakumar Yadav as the captain, batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received his maiden call-up for the senior men's side following his batting exploits for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
Talking about Suryakumar Yadav, the swashbuckling batter was formally sacked from India's T20I captaincy despite leading the team to a T20 World Cup title earlier this year.
His persistent lean patch and injury concerns jeopardised Suryakumar's international career, with the BCCI replacing him with Shreyas Iyer as the new Indian captain in the shortest format.
Suryakumar Yadav's journey as India's T20I captain in a nutshell
Hailed for his ability to play shots all around the park, Suryakumar Yadav became India's full-time captain after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format. Rohit bid adieu to T20Is following India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in 2024.
Suryakumar, who had led the team in Rohit's absence in the Australia T20Is in 2023, took over the reins from the away series against Sri Lanka. He concluded his stint as one of India's most successful T20I skippers, leading the side to 40 victories across 52 appearances.
Although Suryakumar became the third Indian skipper after Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni to clinch the T20 World Cup, his poor batting form forced the selectors to exclude him from the scheme of things.
Also Read: "Last Move To Save Captaincy"- Suryakumar Yadav-Devendra Fadnavis Meetup Sparks Memefest
Suryakumar managed only 702 runs at a modest average of 26 since the start of 2025. He had a relatively quiet T20 World Cup at home before producing a string of failures for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2026.
Thus, his downfall as a batter resulted in Suryakumar 's ouster from the Indian T20I side. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, reaped rewards for showing remarkable consistency for the Punjab Kings in IPL.
Suryakumar Yadav reacts for 1st time after being removed as India's T20I captain
After the BCCI selection committee announced the India squad vs Ireland and England, Suryakumar Yadav broke his silence, wishing luck to the team for the upcoming UK tour.
"Wishing this highly skilled group all the best for challenges ahead," Suryakumar posted on Instagram.
Thus, Suryakumar not only accepted his fate but also respected the selectors' decision. As he's already 35 and will be almost 38 by the next World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav understands he can't be part of India's long-term plans for the marquee tournament.
The former captain also congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for breaking into the Indian team after an incredible IPL campaign.
Playing for Rajasthan Royals, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck 776 runs and claimed the Orange Cap for his remarkable performance. Suryakumar celebrated Sooryavanshi's success and posted a heartfelt message for the batting prodigy.
"You have earned it and how. Super excited to follow your journey," Suryakumar posted for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on Instagram.
Where does Suryakumar Yadav sit in T20I all-timers' list?
Rohit Sharma remains India's most successful batter in T20Is, having scored 4231 runs with the help of five centuries. Suryakumar claims the third position on the elite list with 3272 runs under his belt.
The destructive batter is the only batter apart from Rohit to slam four T20I tons for the Indian team. Therefore, despite struggling at the twilight of his career, Suryakumar Yadav will undoubtedly remain one of India's greatest batters to grace the shortest format.
Also Read: All T20 World Cup Players Dropped By BCCI From India Squad for England, Ireland T20Is
