Former Indian cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi suggests that Shreyas Iyer is a top contender to take over as the next men’s T20I captain after Suryakumar Yadav. The decision on whether to continue with Suryakumar as the T20I captain will be a crucial one for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meeting in Mumbai. Suryakumar, who led India to a successful T20 World Cup defense, faces scrutiny due to his batting performance.
With Suryakumar approaching 36 years and India gearing up for upcoming tournaments like the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup, selectors are deliberating on retaining him for his experience or appointing a new leader. Devang Gandhi emphasizes the need for performance, highlighting the competition among players like Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar. He points out that Suryakumar’s batting form raises concerns, signaling a potential need for change in leadership.
Gandhi expresses his confidence in Shreyas Iyer’s leadership abilities, citing his successful stints with Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings in the IPL. He believes that Iyer’s track record in captaining IPL teams positions him as the frontrunner for the T20I captaincy. Additionally, Gandhi favors Ishan Kishan as a suitable candidate for the vice-captain role due to his consistency and recent performances.
When considering the criteria for selecting the next T20I captain, Gandhi stresses the importance of balancing experience, current form, and long-term vision. He suggests that the selectors must evaluate who can lead the team effectively until the next T20 World Cup, emphasizing the need for leadership qualities and consistent performance. Gandhi concludes that the decision on the new captain should be based on a holistic assessment of these factors.
