India to Replace Yadav with Iyer as T20I Captain Post-2026 IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly preparing to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain of the national T20I team with Shreyas Iyer, following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League in 2026. The change, expected to be confirmed when selectors name the squad for an upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland, comes despite Yadav's leadership in India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph.

Selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have grown concerned over Yadav's prolonged batting struggles, ongoing wrist injury, and age of 35. He has managed 242 runs across nine innings in the World Cup, with 84 coming in the opener against the United States, but faltered in high-pressure scenarios. Since assuming full-time captaincy in 2024, Yadav's form has been inconsistent, including 932 runs in 45 T20Is and modest returns in IPL 2026: 195 runs at an average of 19.50. He has played through wrist discomfort, often with his right hand taped and padded, receiving treatment from team physio Dr. Rizwan Khan during the World Cup. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate described it as normal wear and tear.

Yadav took over as T20I captain in July 2024 and guided India to key victories, including...