The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC) is reportedly preparing a major leadership change in the T20I set-up with Suryakumar Yadav, despite leading India to the 2026 T20 World Cup 2026 title, considered to be relieved of the captaincy duties due to concerns over his recent batting form.
According to reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is more concerned about the veteran batsman’s declining performance with the bat.
Sources say the team has “lost patience” with Suryakumar’s lack of runs in recent matches and the leadership is now exploring alternatives ahead of the upcoming assignments.
The BCCI is reportedly considering recalling Shreyas Iyer to the helm, who could hand over the captaincy for India’s Ireland and England T20 tours post IPL 2026.
Although Suryakumar has maintained a strong record as captain, his individual performance has declined significantly. In the current IPL 2026 season, he has scored only 195 runs in ten matches for Mumbai Indians.
Well-placed sources within Indian cricket suggest that the right-hander has been dealing with a persistent wrist injury and has been playing through pain for a long time.
While his leadership credentials are impressive, concerns about his fitness, form and workload management have intensified.
Despite his public ambition to lead India to the 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics, the selectors are believed to be evaluating other long-term options.
During India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Suryakumar endured a modest contest with the bat, scoring 242 runs in nine innings, with the bulk of his runs coming in the opener against the USA.
Reports further suggest that the 35-year-old has been managing a recurring wrist issue since the previous IPL season, often seen with heavy strapping during matches and training sessions.
A combination of declining form, fitness concerns and age are now expected to play a major role in the selectors’ decision-making process regarding the T20I captaincy.
Shreyas Iyer, backed by his strong leadership record in franchise cricket, has emerged as the leading candidate for the role. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and then led Punjab Kings to second place last season.
For the uninitiated, Iyer last featured in a T20I in December 2023.