Middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence after losing India’s T20I captaincy and being dropped from the national team. The decision has come as a big surprise, considering that he had led India to their second consecutive T20 World Cup title only three months ago and had enjoyed a successful stint as captain.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar announced the changes in the team on Saturday, June 6. Shreyas Iyer has been named India’s T20I captain replacing Suryakumar and will lead the team during the two-match series in Ireland, five-match series against England and the Asian Games later this year.
Suryakumar Yadav sent message after losing T20I captaincy
Suryakumar Yadav reacted with a positive message on social media after being dropped from India’s T20I squad. Despite losing the captaincy and his place in the team, the batsman wished the team success for the upcoming tasks.
The former India captain shared an Instagram story announcing the official BCCI squad for the upcoming white-ball tours. Shreyas Iyer has become India’s new T20I captain and Tilak Verma is the vice-captain.
“Best wishes to this highly skilled group for the challenges ahead,” Suryakumar wrote on his Instagram story.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/7CGiqazniN
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2026
Selectors focus on long-term future with T20I captaincy change
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management have made changes in the captaincy keeping the future in mind. The move is part of India’s long-term plans for the 2028 T20 World Cup and Los Angeles Olympics, with the selectors looking to groom a young core for the format.
Suryakumar Yadav, who will turn 36 later this year, was replaced despite a successful stint as captain. He took over the post after Rohit Sharma’s retirement in 2024 and led India to 40 wins in 52 matches, finishing with an impressive win percentage of 80.76.
After good performances in all formats, the selectors gave the captaincy award to Shreyas Iyer. India are also planning for the future with players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi for the upcoming series.
Poor batting form increased pressure on Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav’s recent batting struggles played a major role in his removal from India’s T20I setup. Despite his strong record as captain, the selectors were concerned about his lack of runs in international and domestic competitions.
The right-handed batsman had a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians, scoring 270 runs in 13 matches at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54. He also failed to make a significant impact for Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in the Mumbai T20 League.
During India’s successful T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, Suryakumar scored 242 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.72, and recorded only one half-century, against the United States. He also struggled in 2025 and could score just 218 runs in 19 T20I innings.
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