Former India selector Devang Gandhi believes Shreyas Iyer is the leading candidate to succeed Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain, citing his proven leadership record in the IPL and domestic cricket.
India's Shreyas Iyer (Photo: IANS)
With India’s selectors set to meet on Saturday to pick squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, the future of Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket. Former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi believes Shreyas Iyer has done enough to be considered the leading candidate if the team management decides to usher in a new era.
Suryakumar, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement following the 2024 T20 World Cup, enjoyed immediate success by guiding India to a successful title defence earlier this year. However, questions have surfaced over his place in the long-term leadership plans after a disappointing run with the bat in both the World Cup and IPL 2026.
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The Mumbai batter managed only 270 runs in 13 IPL innings this season and has struggled to replicate the consistency that made him one of the most feared T20 batters in the world. With Suryakumar set to turn 36 in September and India preparing for a new cycle that includes the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup, selectors face a significant decision over the team’s leadership direction.
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Gandhi feels the time may have come to look ahead.
“The Olympics are two years away and the next T20 World Cup is part of the bigger picture. The selectors have to decide whether they see him leading the side in that cycle. Shreyas has been doing well, Rajat Patidar has been doing well, and there are always players waiting in the wings. Surya has been phenomenal as captain, but the way he has batted is a matter of concern. Going ahead, I think we need to move on now,” Gandhi told IANS.
Among the available candidates, Gandhi believes Iyer’s leadership credentials place him ahead of the competition.
The right-hander led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and followed it up by guiding Punjab Kings to the final in 2025. He also captained Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and has established himself as one of India’s most reliable white-ball performers.
“We always want a captain with experience, whether that comes from international cricket or a successful IPL campaign. Shreyas has shown he can lead teams under pressure. The way he handled Punjab and previously KKR speaks for itself. At the moment, he is the frontrunner and quite deservedly so,” Gandhi said.
While Tilak Varma remains one of India’s long-term leadership prospects, Gandhi believes Ishan Kishan has strengthened his case for a leadership role after his recent performances and growing experience.
Kishan captained Sunrisers Hyderabad in Pat Cummins’ absence during IPL 2026 and has also led Jharkhand successfully in domestic cricket.
“Someone who is a regular feature around the squad should be considered. Tilak is certainly one option, but the way Ishan has performed, I think he can be the vice-captain as well. In my opinion, I would favour Ishan Kishan,” Gandhi said.
According to Gandhi, choosing India’s next T20I captain cannot be based solely on current form or long-term planning. Instead, selectors must identify a player capable of leading the side through the next major cycle while continuing to perform consistently.
“It’s a balance of experience, form and long-term vision. You need someone who can lead until the next T20 World Cup and bring stability to the side. Performance matters, leadership matters and so does the ability to handle pressure. You look at a player’s track record, how he has managed teams and whether he has shown leadership qualities. Based on that, you decide who can take Indian cricket forward,” he said.
With the selection meeting around the corner, the captaincy debate is expected to dominate discussions as India weigh continuity against the opportunity to begin preparing their next white-ball leader.
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