Indian government set to play key role in Asian Games selection as Suryakumar Yadav misses out

In a series of surprising events, it has been claimed that the Indian Government may interfere with BCCI's squad selection for the upcoming Asian Games, where the Indian team will take part in the T20 competition. The Asian games will take place in September this year.

Trouble for Suryakumar Yadav

Earlier on Saturday, the BCCI revealed the list of 30 probable players who are eligible to get selected for the Asian Games. Surprisingly, India's ODI and Test skipper Shubman Gill and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav were not named in the list of probable players.

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According to the latest report by Times of India, a BCCI source has said that the selectors took a decision way back in January to not select Suryakumar in the Asian Games squad. The decision was taken with keeping Los Angeles Olympics 2028 in mind, to identify Surya's successor for the leadership role.

"It was decided in Jan that Suryakumar Yadav will not be part of the Asian Games. The focus is on ODI World Cup preparations. There are a few players in the long list who play the ODI format too. The govt will prefer if the BCCI sends a full-strength team to the Asian Games. A call on the Asian Games teams will be taken after consulting the govt," the source claimed.

The final 15-member squad will be selected in the second week of June.

The report further claims that the selectors are expected to discuss Suryakumar's future as a captain in T20Is when they meet to select India's squad for the upcoming white ball tour Ireland and England. With Suryakumar Yadav being out of form during the emergence of Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson as capable contenders to take over the captaincy, it has become tough for the MI batter to continue as a skipper.

"The selectors are looking at possible captaincy options before taking a call on Suryakumar Yadav. While Shreyas lyer and Sanju Samson appear to be contenders, vice-captain Axar Patel's name has also been floated to do the job before the selectors zero down on a clear successor. It will also be seen if Surya will be given another tour to rediscover his touch as a player. The next selection meeting will make things clear," the source added.

Suryakumar Yadav's horrible campaign in IPL 2026

The India T20I skipper had an underwhelming individual campaign in the IPL 2026 season, the right-handed batter amassed only 270 runs in 13 games at an average of 20.77 with a strike rate of 147.54. He recorded his highest score of 60 off 42 balls against Rajasthan Royals.

Surykumar being out of form also caused a lot of troubles in MI's campaign in the 2026 season, with the side failing to reach playoffs and finishing ninth at the points table.