.jpg?type=hq)
Suryakumar Yadav - (Source: AFP)
Suryakumar Yadav has had a roller-coaster year. He led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, welcomed fatherhood, but also lost his place in the Indian team and is now rumoured to be leaving the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027.
The 35-year-old had a tough IPL 2026 where he amassed just 270 runs in 13 innings, averaging 20.77. There are murmurs within the dressing room that the management are looking to send SKY away ahead of IPL 2027. Meanwhile, the right-handed batter continues to work on his basics and is looking forward to the upcoming domestic season.
Suryakumar Yadav offers to captain Mumbai
The upcoming domestic season will start later in August, but Suryakumar Yadav is most likely to play for Mumbai in October through the Ranji Trophy and later the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Despite not being in India’s plans anymore, SKY continues to be a key member for Mumbai. In the latest events, he has also expressed his interest in leading the side.
"Anything for Mumbai ", remarked Suryakumar Yadav when asked about leading Mumbai during his conversation with journalist Makarand Waingankar.
Interestingly, Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur and Shreyas Iyer led the side last year. Now, since Iyer is India’s new T20I captain, he is unlikely to be a regular in the upcoming domestic season.
Hence, it opens the doors for Suryakumar Yadav to captain Mumbai and make a case for an international return.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Captaincy Record
Suryakumar Yadav first led India in a T20I in November 2023, filling in for an injured Hardik Pandya, and won that series 4-1 against Australia. Eventually, Gautam Gambhir came in 2024 and appointed SKY as the permanent captain.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Out Of Mumbai Indians! IPL 2027 Brings Bad News For Mumbai Loyalists
In the two year cycle, SKY led India in 52 T20Is, winning 40 matches and losing just 8 games. SKY ended his stint with an 76.9% win percentage.
The 35-year-old also led Mumbai Indians in 5 matches, winning 2 and losing 3 games. Talking about the domestic circuit, he has led Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A), the Ranji Trophy (First-Class), and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) in the past.
Hence, Suryakumar Yadav has a genuine case for himself, and it won’t be a shock if MCA appoints him as the next Mumbai captain.
Is India Return Still A Possibility For Suryakumar Yadav?
The post-Suryakumar Yadav era has got off to the worst possible start for Team India. Shreyas Iyer-led side have played 10 T20Is since 2026 T20 World Cup, winning just 3 that too against Zimbabwe.
India failed to win a solitary T20I during their UK tour, which led to the BCCI mulling SKY's return. According to areport by Times Now Journalist, Karishma Singh, Suryakumar Yadav still has a chance to make his T20I comeback as the BCCI has not truly ruled him out of contention. However, there is one condition: The batter needs to perform heavily in the domestic circuit and also for his IPL team.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya To KKR Trade Hinges On 1 Condition Given By MI, Says CSK Legend
