The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could be set for a significant leadership rethink in the men’s T20I setup, India Today has learned, with captaincy likely to feature prominently in the upcoming selection meeting.

Suryakumar Yadav is unlikely to continue as India’s T20I captain, sources told India Today, with the selectors believed to be seriously considering a change at the top in the shortest format.

Suryakumar was appointed India’s T20I captain following the team’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, taking over the role from Rohit Sharma as the team moved towards a new era. Since then, he has remained a key figure in India’s T20 plans, but recent developments suggest that the management is looking towards a new leadership direction.

A major reason behind the reconsideration appears to be Suryakumar’s recent form.

While his return to form for India in 2026 remains respectable, his struggles in the ongoing Indian Premier League have raised concerns. Representing Mumbai Indians this season, the 35-year-old has scored just 195 runs in 10 matches at an average of 19.5 and a strike rate of 145.52 – numbers that are well below the expected standards of one of India’s leading T20 batsmen.

With India having already started shaping plans for the next T20 cycle, age could also be part of the discussion. At 35, Suryakumar remains an experienced and valuable individual, but the selectors may be considering the benefits of handing over the leadership role to someone who can drive the team’s long-term plans.

Shreyas Iyer emerged as the frontrunner

India Today has also come to know about this Shreyas Iyer is currently the leading candidateo Take over the T20I captaincy, his recent performances as both a leader and batsman have greatly enhanced his credentials.

Iyer’s dominance in captaincy talks This is a bit of a surprise considering his impact in the IPL over the last few seasons.

In 2024, he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup, working alongside Gautam Gambhir as the franchise ended its long wait for an IPL title. His leadership credentials were further strengthened in 2025 when he moved to Punjab Kings and led them to the finals, helping turn the franchise into genuine contenders.

Punjab’s resurgence has continued in the current season, with the team remaining firmly in the playoff mix, making Iyer’s captaincy case even stronger.

Figures that strengthen Iyer’s case

Beyond leadership, Iyer’s form with the bat has made an equally compelling argument.

Since moving to Punjab Kings, the right-handed batsman has become one of the most consistent and explosive Indian batsmen in this format. In the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons, he has played 27 matches, scoring 937 runs at an average of 49.31 and a strike rate of 171, while registering 10 half-centuries.

These numbers underline not only the consistency, but also the aggressive scoring rate that modern T20 cricket demands.

The appeal to selectors is obvious. If India are indeed considering a leadership reset, Iyer offers a mix of tactical experience, recent captaincy success and elite T20 form.

Although no final decision has been taken yet, the upcoming selection meeting could give a clear indication of India’s plans. If the selectors opt for a change, Iyer appears to be the best suited man to lead India’s next generation in the shortest format.

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