The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could be set for a major management overhaul in the men’s T20I set-up, with captaincy discussions likely to be at the forefront of the upcoming selection meeting, India Today has learned.
Sources told India Today that Suryakumar Yadav’s chances of continuing as India’s T20I captain appear slim, with the selectors believed to be seriously considering a change at the top in the shortest format.
Suryakumar was named India’s T20I captain following the team’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, taking over the role from Rohit Sharma as the side began to transition into a new era. Since then, he has remained a key figure in India’s T20 plans, but recent developments suggest that the management may be looking for a new direction to lead.
The main factor behind the reevaluation seems to be Suryakumar’s recent form.
While his returns for India in 2026 have remained respectable, his struggles in the ongoing Indian Premier League have raised concerns. The 35-year-old, who represents Mumbai Indians this season, has scored just 195 runs from 10 matches at an average of 19.5 and a strike rate of 145.52 – figures that are well below the standards expected from one of India’s premier T20 batsmen.
With India already starting to make plans for the next T20 cycle, age could also be part of the discussion. At 35, Suryakumar remains an experienced and valuable figure, but the selectors may be weighing the benefits of handing over the leadership role to someone who can anchor the team’s long-term plans.
Shreyas Iyer emerges as a front-runner
India Today has also learned this Shreyas Iyer is currently the leading candidate to to take over the T20I captaincy, with his recent performances as both a leader and a batsman greatly enhancing his reputation.
Iyer’s rise in the captaincy conversation will come as little surprise given his impact in the IPL over the past few seasons.
In 2024, he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup, working alongside Gautam Gambhir as the franchise ended their long wait for the IPL title. His leadership skills were further enhanced in 2025 when he moved to Punjab Kings and led them to the finals, helping transform the franchise into genuine contenders.
Punjab’s revival has continued in the current season, with the team firmly in the play-off mix, adding further weight to Iyer’s case as captain.
Numbers that bolster Iyer’s case
Apart from leadership, Iyer’s form with the bat is an equally compelling argument.
Since moving to Punjab Kings, the right-hander has developed into one of India’s most consistent and explosive batsmen in the format. He played 27 matches in the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons, scoring 937 runs at an average of 49.31 and a strike rate of 171, while scoring 10 half-centuries.
These numbers underline not only the consistency but also the aggressive scoring rate that modern T20 cricket demands.
For selectors, the appeal is obvious. If India are indeed looking to regain leadership, Iyer offers a blend of tactical experience, recent captaincy success and elite T20 form.
While no final decision has been taken yet, the upcoming selection meeting could give a clearer indication of India’s plans. If the selectors decide to make a change, Iyer appears to be the man best placed to lead India’s next generation in the shortest format.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
May 8, 2026 1:15 PM IST
