In a surprising development, Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav has reportedly been removed as India’s T20I captain after IPL 2026. The decision comes after he endured a poor season with the bat in the IPL. Just before the IPL, Suryakumar had led India to the T20 World Cup 2026 title, helping the team win its third trophy in the tournament’s history.
However, according to a report by The Indian Express, he is now expected to lose the captaincy and could also be dropped from India’s T20I squad. The report added that the BCCI will hold discussions with the team management and selectors before appointing a new captain for the next T20I cycle.
“The selection committee, BCCI and team management, in consultation with coach Gautam Gambhir, have decided that India should go with a new skipper from here on. Under Surya’s captaincy, the team did win the T20 World Cup but keeping his form and future in mind, they felt it’s time to move on,” a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.
“He won’t be considered for selection, and the decision will be conveyed to Surya soon,” the official added.
Although India won the T20 World Cup 2026, Suryakumar Yadav did not have a memorable tournament with the bat. He scored 242 runs in nine matches, averaging 30.25 with a strike rate of 136.72, and managed just one half-century.
His form dipped further in IPL 2026, where he scored only 270 runs in 13 matches at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54, with two fifties to his name.
At nearly 36 years of age, Suryakumar’s age may also have worked against him, especially if the selectors and team management are looking for a younger captain who can lead the team in the long term.
Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I Record Since 2025: A Look at the Numbers
Suryakumar Yadav had a very disappointing year with the bat in T20Is in 2025. He managed only 218 runs in 19 innings, averaging 13.63 with a strike rate of 123.16, and struggled to make an impact throughout the year.
His performances improved in 2026, as he scored 484 runs in 14 matches at an average of 44 and an impressive strike rate of 161.33. However, his recent dip in form could be a concern, especially as the team looks to build for the future.
With young and aggressive batters like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Rajat Patidar making a strong impact in T20 cricket, Suryakumar’s place in the T20I side could come under pressure due to increasing competition for spots.
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