Big hit Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as the dark horse to become India’s T20 captain until the 2026 World Cup and could overtake top contender Hardik Pandya, whose elevation from the vice-captain position was being seen as a natural progression to now. Pandya made himself available for the shorter format games against Sri Lanka this month but it turns out that Suryakumar, who captained India in eight T20Is against Australia and South Africa last year, is new coach Gautam’s preferred choice Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
It is learned that Gambhir and Agarkar spoke to Pandya about this change of plan earlier this evening and explained to him that a long-term option was being finalized to ensure stability.
The T20 leadership role fell vacant after Rohit Sharma bid adieu to his international career in the shortest format following India’s World Cup triumph last month in the West Indies.
Pandya, one of the heroes of that victory, will take a break during the three-match ODI series against the island nation for “personal reasons”. The T20Is against Sri Lanka will take place from July 27-30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2-7 in Colombo.
The lineup for the series is expected to be announced in the coming days.
“Hardik Pandya was India’s T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is fully fit and available for the three-match T20I series and should lead the team, but there is a very strong feeling that SKY would be the leader potentially not just for Sri Lanka series but even the 2026 World Cup,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
“Hardik’s break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. He does not have any fitness issues as is being suggested in the media,” the official said.
Suryakumar, 33, is considered one of the most popular players in the Indian dressing room.
It was under Gambhir’s captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders that he came into his own as a T20 player and was nicknamed ‘SKY’ by the then captain.
Hardik was seen as an obvious successor to Rohit, but several factors came into play.
His performance as captain of Mumbai Indians has been dismal and the selectors are not willing to let him choose his assignments.
The selectors won’t mind seeing him play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season to practice over 50s.
Regarding the ODIs, the official confirmed that Pandya took a leave of absence and has already communicated this to Rohit, who is also taking a break from this series.
For the ODIs, KL Rahul, who led in the last series in South Africa, and Gill are in contention for the leadership role.
Boost in domestic availability
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that even famous cricketers must be available for domestic commitments when they are free from national obligations. But exceptions will be made for players like Rohit, Virat Kohli and pace leader Jasprit Bumrah.
The BCCI, however, would like all other Test specialists to play at least one if not a few Duleep Trophy games in August as a precursor to the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
“This time there is no zonal selection committee for the Duleep Trophy. Only the national selection committee will choose the Duleep teams.
“All test team candidates will be chosen. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice whether they want to play or not,” the source added.
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