In a surprising development, Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly set to be removed as captain of India’s T20I team just three months after guiding the side to the T20 World Cup 2026 title.
According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a leadership change as it begins planning for the 2028 T20 World Cup cycle. The decision is expected to be discussed ahead of the announcement of India’s squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England later this month.
Sources indicate that not only is Yadav’s captaincy under review, but his place in the T20I squad could also come under scrutiny as selectors evaluate the team’s future direction.
BCCI Looking Ahead to 2028 T20 World Cup
The reported move appears to be part of a broader strategy aimed at developing a long-term leadership structure and identifying players who can form the core of India’s T20 side over the next two years.
Despite delivering a major ICC trophy, Yadav’s recent performances with the bat have raised concerns among selectors. The BCCI is believed to be keen on appointing a captain who can lead the side through the next World Cup cycle and establish consistency both as a leader and performer.
Declining Numbers Raise Concerns
Suryakumar Yadav has been one of India’s most influential T20 batters over the past few years and remains among the format’s most explosive players.
Overall, he has represented India in 113 T20 Internationals, scoring 3,272 runs at an average of 36.35 and an exceptional strike rate of 162.94.
However, his performances have dipped significantly in recent seasons.
Between January 2025 and March 2026, Yadav scored 702 runs in 35 T20Is at an average of just 26. During the 2024 calendar year, he managed 429 runs in 18 matches at an average of 26.81.
While these numbers remain respectable, they are well below the standards he had previously set for himself.
IPL 2026 Struggles Added to Pressure
Yadav’s disappointing run continued during IPL 2026.
The Mumbai Indians star scored only 270 runs in 13 innings, averaging 20.76. The lack of substantial contributions during the tournament further intensified discussions about his current form and long-term role in India’s T20 setup.
For a player who was once regarded as one of the most feared T20 batters in world cricket, the sustained dip has become increasingly difficult for selectors to ignore.
Sharp Drop After Taking Over Captaincy
One of the most striking aspects of Yadav’s recent record is the contrast between his performances before and after becoming India’s T20 captain.
Since taking over the captaincy in July 2024, Yadav has averaged just 25.88 in T20 Internationals. During this period, he has registered six half-centuries but has also recorded four ducks.
In comparison, before assuming the leadership role, he averaged an outstanding 43.60 in T20Is. During that phase, he scored four centuries and 20 half-centuries while establishing himself as one of the world’s premier white-ball batters.
The decline has prompted questions over whether the additional responsibilities of captaincy have affected his batting output.
World Cup Success May Not Be Enough
Although Yadav successfully led India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year, selectors appear focused on long-term planning rather than recent silverware alone.
The reported move reflects the team’s emphasis on future preparation, succession planning and maintaining a competitive squad heading into the next major ICC events.
As the selectors finalise squads for the Ireland and England tours, all eyes will be on whether India officially names a new T20I captain and what role, if any, Suryakumar Yadav will continue to play in the team’s plans moving forward.
An official announcement is expected in the coming days.