New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India is set to hold an online meeting of its Apex Council on Thursday, with attention focused on the future of India’s men’s T20I captaincy amid increasing speculation surrounding Suryakumar Yadav.
While there is no official confirmation that the captaincy issue is on the agenda, discussions around India’s leadership plans have intensified as the team begins preparations for the next major T20 cycle, which includes the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and cricket’s return at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Suryakumar led India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year, but questions have emerged over his long-term future in the role following an extended dip in form. The right-handed batter endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for Mumbai Indians, scoring 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 as the five-time champions finished near the bottom of the standings.
His struggles with the bat reportedly continued during the T20 World Cup campaign and in domestic T20 cricket, prompting discussions about whether a leadership change could be considered as India builds towards future global tournaments.
Several names have emerged as potential contenders for the role. Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer are viewed as leading candidates, while players such as Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan are also being mentioned as possible options.
Suryakumar took charge of the T20I side after Rohit Sharma retired from the format following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
India’s next T20 assignment is a two-match series against Ireland later this month, with squad selection expected in mid-June. The team will then travel to England for a five-match T20I series before embarking on a tour of Zimbabwe.
Any decision on the captaincy is likely to shape India’s preparations for the next phase of international T20 cricket.
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