A huge transformation is likely to happen with the Indian T20 squad after the IPL 2026 season. Selectors are reportedly considering the possibility of replacing current captain Suryakumar Yadav, who led the side in winning the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, due to poor form, age, and injuries sustained by the player.
It has been reported in Times of India that a replacement captain may be appointed once the squad is picked for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England post the IPL.
The BCCI is concerned with form, age, and injury issues surrounding Suryakumar Yadav. In the upcoming T20 series, India will first play against Ireland and then against England. ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is most likely to replace Surya as the new T20 captain.
Shreyas Iyer is currently not part of the Indian T20 team and was also not included in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad. However, as captain of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the current IPL season, he has performed brilliantly in both the roles of batsman and leader.
India has a busy T20 schedule leading up to the 2028 T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics that year. With this, Suryakumar's captaincy is considered to be over. Now, it remains to be seen whether he can retain his place in the team as a batsman, as Surya plays in the same position as Shreyas.
35-year-old Suryakumar has been expressing his desire to captain for the past two years, but the selectors were not satisfied with his batting performance. He did lead the team to the T20 World Cup 2026, but his individual performance was average. He scored 242 runs in nine innings, 84 of which came in the first match against the USA alone. He struggled in other matches, especially under pressure. His form has been poor since becoming captain in July 2024. He has scored only 932 runs in the 45 T20 matches he has played since taking over.
According to sources, Surya has been suffering from a problem with his right wrist for a long time. Since the last season of the Mumbai Indians, he has been batting and fielding with heavy tape. This taping became regular during the T20 World Cup. Before batting practice, a doctor was called to the dressing room to tape his wrist. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate described it as normal wear and tear.
As a captain, Surya has a strong win percentage (76.92%). He also led the team to major titles like the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, given his poor form, wrist issues, and age, the team management is now looking for a replacement. Besides Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan are also available as options, but Shreyas Iyer's performance with various franchises over the past three IPL seasons puts him ahead of the pack.