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Amidst the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and team management are considering a change in T20I captaincy. T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form has been a concern. He hasn’t been at his best in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. Meanwhile, there are two contenders for the leadership position. Shreyas Iyer’s name was floated as he has led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title and Punjab Kings (PBKS) to their first final after a decade. However, Iyer hasn’t played a T20I in a long while which makes Sanju Samson an ideal candidate. After the IPL 2026, India are set to tour Ireland, England and Zimbabwe for T20I series which may witness leadership changes.
What worked against Iyer and in favour of Samson?
As per a report by Dainik Jagran, the main reason going against Iyer taking over captaincy is that he hasn’t been part of the T20I team since 2023, the home T20I series against Australia. Even a stellar run in IPL 2025 couldn’t earn him a spot in the side. The selectors are not convinced that Iyer should walk into the team after more than 30 months and get the captaincy straightaway. However, it is a possibility that he may get a chance in T20Is and then climb the ladder.
On the other hand, Samson seems to have the nod of team management. He has led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in past and led them to final in 2022 edition. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in good form. He was ‘Player of the series’ in T20 World Cup 2026, scoring three consecutive match-winning fifties. After a slow start, Samson is currently CSK's leading run-scorer with 402 runs at an average of 57.42, including two centuries and a fifty.
Another chance for Surya
Despite the discussions around a captaincy change, Suryakumar may get another tour to prove his mettle, especially as a batter. He may retain captaincy for the UK tour (Ireland and England). In this case, Samson will be named vice-captain.
Axar Patel set to lose vice-captaincy?
If Samson becomes Suryakumar’s deputy, it is clear that all-rounder Axar Patel will lose his place. Axar has been in poor form in the IPL 2026 as Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper. With the ball, he has 10 wickets from 11 games but he has had a terrible season with the bat. The southpaw has managed to score just 44 runs at an average of 6.28.
India will tour Ireland for two T20Is in June 2026. In July, they will play a five-T20I series in addition to an ODI series. Then, they will head to Zimbabwe in July for a three-T20I series.
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