“Suryakumar Yadav Set to Overtake Hardik Pandya as India’s T20I Captain Until 2026 World Cup”

Suryakumar Yadav, known for his explosive batting, has emerged as the frontrunner to captain India’s T20 team until the 2026 World Cup, potentially surpassing Hardik Pandya. Initially seen as a natural successor, Pandya was expected to step up from his vice-captain role. However, sources reveal that new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar prefer Suryakumar for the position.

A Change in Leadership

Gambhir and Agarkar recently discussed this change with Pandya, emphasizing the need for long-term stability. The T20 captaincy became vacant after Rohit Sharma retired from international T20s following India’s World Cup win in the West Indies.

Despite being fit and available, Pandya will take a break from the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka due to personal reasons. The T20Is against Sri Lanka will take place from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The squad announcement is expected soon.

“SKY” to Lead

A senior BCCI source shared, “Hardik was set to lead the T20I series, but there is strong support for Suryakumar Yadav to be the leader, not just for the Sri Lanka series but until the 2026 World Cup.”

Suryakumar, 33, is highly regarded in the Indian dressing room. Under Gambhir’s captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders, he earned the nickname “SKY.” While Pandya was a logical choice for captaincy, his performance as Mumbai Indians skipper was underwhelming. Additionally, selectors want him to commit to more consistent participation, including domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

ODIs and Domestic Play

Pandya has requested leave from the ODIs, which has been communicated to Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a break. For the ODI captaincy, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are contenders.

Emphasis on Domestic Cricket

BCCI secretary Jay Shah insists that star players participate in domestic tournaments when not on national duty, with exceptions for Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. The selectors expect Test team contenders to play in the Duleep Trophy as a precursor to upcoming Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

“This time, the national selection committee will pick the Duleep Trophy teams,” the source added. “For Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not.”