Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up for the first time about his removal from the captaincy and subsequent omission from the national squad, saying he spent around one-and-a-half months trying to understand how the decision had happened.
Speaking on former India cricketer Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel, Suryakumar said he had expected to continue leading India in the shortest format, including through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next T20 World Cup. The change came after India’s 2026 T20 World Cup triumph, when the selectors handed the captaincy to Shreyas Iyer.
Suryakumar was subsequently left out of India’s squads for the Ireland and England series. According to the information provided, the selectors cited his form while making the decision. The development came despite his successful record as captain and India’s recent performances under his leadership.
Suryakumar Reflects on Decision
Recalling the period after the captaincy change, Suryakumar said he spent considerable time at home thinking about why the decision had been taken. Instead of immediately reacting, he said he tried to look at the situation from the selectors’ perspective.
He explained that he wanted to understand why the selection committee may have felt the need to look beyond him and build a different combination for the future. Suryakumar also said that when he found his name missing from the squad, he attempted to remain calm and accepted the decision.
The batter said the selectors had contacted him three days before the squad announcement and informed him that he would not be part of the team for the England series. He said he was told that it was time to move forward.
‘I Will Keep Playing’
Suryakumar said he did not react negatively to the selectors’ decision. Instead, he conveyed that if the selection committee believed the move was better for the team, he respected the call.
He also indicated that he would continue playing and remain ready for another opportunity with India whenever the selectors considered the timing appropriate.
His comments come after a period in which his role with the national team changed rapidly. From leading India in major T20 assignments to being left out of the squad, the transition marked a significant shift in his international career.
Successful Captaincy Tenure
Suryakumar was appointed India’s T20I captain after Rohit Sharma retired from the format following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
Under his leadership, India went through a strong period in T20I cricket. According to the figures provided, Suryakumar captained India in 52 T20I matches, with the team winning 42, losing eight and two ending without a result. His reported win percentage stands at 80.76%.
During his captaincy, India won the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 2026 World Cup victory also saw India become the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title and win consecutive editions.
Strong T20 Batting Record
Suryakumar’s record as a T20 batter has also made him an important figure in India’s white-ball setup. He has scored 3,272 runs in 113 T20 matches, with four centuries and 25 half-centuries.
His batting average is 36.35, while his strike rate stands at 162.94. His highest score is 117, and he has hit 297 fours and 179 sixes in his T20 career.
Despite his impressive record and successful captaincy period, Suryakumar’s immediate future in India’s T20 setup remains dependent on the selectors. His latest comments indicate that he has accepted the leadership change and is focused on continuing to perform as a player while remaining available for a possible return to the national side.
.jpg)
---copy---copy1.jpg)
