India’s dynamic T20 specialist, Suryakumar Yadav, is reportedly set to take on the mantle of captain for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Following the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from international T20 cricket after India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian cricket board is in the process of identifying long-term captaincy prospects for the shortest format of the game.
Initially, the focus was on Hardik Pandya, given his extensive experience and success as a T20I captain for India, the Gujarat Titans, and the Mumbai Indians. However, emerging reports indicate that concerns over Pandya’s fitness might lead the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hand over the captaincy reins to Suryakumar Yadav, or ‘SKY’ as he is popularly known. This change could see Yadav leading the team not just for the upcoming series in Sri Lanka but potentially up until the T20 World Cup in 2026.
A detailed report by ESPNCricinfo suggests that Suryakumar is a strategic choice due to his certainty in the batting lineup and previous leadership experience. Having captained India in late 2023 during five T20Is against Australia and three against South Africa, the 33-year-old right-hander brings a blend of experience and tactical acumen to the role.
Supporting this notion, a PTI report has underscored that Suryakumar Yadav is the preferred candidate to lead India in the Sri Lanka T20Is. Furthermore, it highlights that he has emerged as a promising contender to be the T20 captain heading into the 2026 World Cup. The selection committee and the newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, have reportedly been in discussions with Hardik Pandya about this strategic shift.
“Hardik Pandya was India’s T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma and is fully fit to participate in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. However, there’s a strong sense that SKY might be a more suitable leader, not just for the Sri Lanka series but extending through to the 2026 World Cup,” a senior BCCI source informed PTI.
This tour will mark Gautam Gambhir’s debut assignment as India’s head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid, who directed the team for over two and a half years.
. Gambhir will guide the squad in a multi-format tour against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. His leadership and vision are anticipated to be pivotal as India continues to build a well-rounded team in the post-Rohit-Kohli-Jadeja era.
The PTI report also clarified that Hardik Pandya has made himself available for the T20I series but has requested a break from the ODIs citing personal reasons. “Hardik’s break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. He doesn’t have any fitness issue as suggested in some media reports,” an unnamed official disclosed.
Amidst this leadership reshuffle, veterans Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to sit out the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The trio is currently focused on India’s demanding Test schedule, with the national side slated to play 10 Tests by early January 2025.
In the absence of Rohit, it is speculated that either KL Rahul or Shubman Gill will be entrusted with the captaincy for the ODIs against Sri Lanka. Rahul, with his prior experience as a stand-in captain, and Gill, reflecting promising leadership capabilities, are both viable candidates for the role.
As India navigates this transition phase, the appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain could mark a significant evolution in the team’s approach to the shortest format. His aggressive batting style, coupled with a strategic mindset, positions him as a leader who can guide India to further success on the international stage.
This developing story continues to unfold, and the cricket fraternity awaits the official confirmation from the BCCI, which could herald a new beginning for Indian T20 cricket under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership.
