Two-and-a-half years after his last T20I appearance for India, Shreyas Iyer is set for a new chapter. The national selection committee is expected to name him India’s next T20I captain for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, replacing Suryakumar Yadav. The decision is set to be formalised when the selectors meet on Saturday to pick the squads for the white-ball assignment.
Despite remaining a regular in the ODI side, Shreyas had been out of India’s T20I plans since the end of 2023. However, his performances both as batter and captain in the Indian Premier League have pushed him back into contention and convinced the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and the team management that he is the right man to lead the next phase of India’s T20I journey.
Shreyas’ leadership credentials have been difficult to ignore. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and transformed Punjab Kings into a playoff contender after taking charge the following season. Last year, he amassed 604 runs in that campaign and followed it up with another productive season this year, scoring 498 runs despite Punjab Kings falling short of a playoff berth after a strong start.
Sportstar understands that the selectors and team management are on the same page regarding Suryakumar’s removal from the leadership role, with his place in the squad itself under scrutiny because of an extended dip in form. His struggles with the bat have been a concern for some time, and his returns in IPL 2026 only heightened those worries. Although he ended the campaign with a half-century against Rajasthan Royals, the Mumbai Indians batter managed only 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76.
While a section within the Board felt that Suryakumar deserved another opportunity after leading India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year, sources confirmed that the selectors, BCCI officials and team management, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, have decided to look ahead and invest in a new leader for the format.
The first indication of that shift came when Suryakumar was omitted from India’s long list for the upcoming Asian Games. His struggles have not been limited to international cricket. The batter has endured a lean run in domestic cricket as well, with his poor form continuing in the ongoing T20 Mumbai League.
Sooryavanshi set for debut?
The selectors are also expected to hand a maiden India call-up to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At 15, the Rajasthan Royals batter is set to become the youngest player selected in an India men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar in the late 1980s. The left-hander forced his way into contention after a sensational IPL season, scoring 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. Sooryavanshi is currently in Sri Lanka with the India A side for the tri-series, but the selectors appear keen to fast-track him into international cricket.
Another player likely to earn a recall is Rajat Patidar, who captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second successive IPL title.
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India will play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28 before taking on England in a five-match T20I series from July 1 to 11. It remains to be seen whether the selectors consider a comeback for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 36-year-old claimed 28 wickets in IPL 2026 and once again showcased his ability to thrive even on batting-friendly surfaces. Given his experience and skill set, particularly in English conditions, Bhuvneshwar could be an attractive option, although the selectors may prefer to keep an eye on the longer-term picture.
Tilak in line for Asian Games captaincy
The selectors will also choose the squad for the Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan in September and October. The BCCI is expected to field its strongest available side despite the event clashing with a home white-ball series against the West Indies.
Sportstar understands that Tilak Varma is being considered for the captaincy, with Shreyas likely to be occupied with India’s ODI commitments. Tilak is currently in Sri Lanka captaining India’s A team for the tri-series.
A few new faces could also enter the mix, including pacer Prince Yadav and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, both of whom have impressed in recent domestic competitions.
Published on Jun 05, 2026
