Suryakumar Yadav will take over as the skipper of India’s T20I team until the 2026 T20 World Cup after Rohit Sharma decided to retire from the shortest format of the game.
Previously, Hardik Pandya held the position of vice-captain during the 2024 T20 World Cup under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, marking a key step in his career.
Despite his availability for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka this month, sources indicate that the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, have shown a preference for Suryakumar Yadav.
The flamboyant batter had previously led the team in eight T20Is against Australia and South Africa last year, showcasing his leadership abilities.
The decision for this leadership change was reportedly conveyed to Pandya earlier today by Gambhir and Agarkar, as they emphasized a long-term approach to ensure team stability.
This shift follows Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20I cricket after leading India to a triumphant World Cup victory last month in the West Indies.
Suryakumar’s appointment as captain reflects the confidence that the team’s management and selectors have in his capabilities to lead the team to future success.
A BCCI source stated, “Hardik Pandya was India’s T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and was supposed to lead the side but there is a very strong feeling that SKY would be the potential leader not only for the Sri Lanka series but till the 2026 World Cup.”
“Hardik’s break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. He doesn’t have any fitness issue as is being suggested in the media.” the official BCCI source concluded.
Indian team’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has requested three senior players Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka and the three players will likely participate in the series.