New Delhi, June 4: India’s T20I team could be headed for a major transition, with Shreyas Iyer poised to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Ireland and England.
The national selectors are expected to announce the squad on Saturday, with the move signalling the beginning of a new phase as India build towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand the same year.
According to reports, Suryakumar is not only set to lose the captaincy but could also miss out on the squad altogether. The 35-year-old recently led India to the T20 World Cup title in March, but concerns over his form have reportedly prompted the selectors to look at alternative leadership options.
Suryakumar endured a relatively modest World Cup campaign, scoring 242 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.72. His struggles continued in IPL 2026, where he managed just 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76.
The likely beneficiary of the leadership change is Shreyas Iyer, who has not featured in a T20 International since December 2023. Despite remaining on the fringes of the national setup, the 31-year-old has continued to strengthen his case through consistent performances in domestic and franchise cricket.Iyer was recalled as an injury replacement during India’s home T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year but did not get an opportunity to play. However, his leadership credentials have remained difficult to ignore.
The Mumbai batter captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and previously guided Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to IPL finals. His batting numbers have also been impressive, amassing 604 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 175.07 before following it up with 498 runs at a strike rate of 168.81 in the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to receive his maiden senior India call-up following a remarkable IPL campaign.The 15-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket after scoring 776 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 237.30 during IPL 2026. If selected, he would become the youngest player named in an Indian men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar broke into the national team as a teenager in the late 1980s.
Before potentially joining the senior squad, Sooryavanshi is set to represent India A in a tri-series in Sri Lanka involving Afghanistan from June 9 to 21.India’s tour begins with two T20 Internationals against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28 before the team travels to England for a five-match T20I series scheduled from July 1 to 11.
The expected changes suggest the selectors are keen to blend experience with youth as they shape the next generation of India’s T20 side while keeping an eye on major global tournaments in the years ahead. (Agencies)
