India are set to appoint Shreyas Iyer as their new T20 captain ahead of the upcoming series against Ireland and England. The decision is expected to be announced on Saturday when the selection committee meets to finalise the squads for the two tours.
According to information reported by Hindustan Times Digital, Iyer will replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain of the T20 side. The change comes despite Suryakumar leading India to a T20 World Cup title earlier this year.
The report also states that Suryakumar is unlikely to be selected for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom. Tilak Varma is expected to become vice-captain in the T20 format.
Iyer has not played a T20 International since December 2023. If selected, his return to the format will come as India's captain.
The decision continues a recent trend of leadership changes in Indian cricket. Last year, India replaced Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as ODI captain shortly after a Champions Trophy victory.
Selectors Back Iyer's Leadership Record
Iyer brings significant leadership experience to the role. He guided Delhi Capitals to their first Indian Premier League final in 2020 and later led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024.
He also captained Punjab Kings to their first IPL final in 11 years. Although Punjab Kings had a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, selectors appear to have valued Iyer's overall leadership record and consistency.
His performances with the bat have also strengthened his case. He scored more than 600 runs during the IPL 2025 season. In IPL 2026, he made 498 runs at a strike rate of 168.81, including a century against Lucknow Super Giants.
Suryakumar's Form Under Scrutiny
While Suryakumar enjoyed success as captain, his batting form has declined over the past year.
The experienced batter did not score a half-century for India during 2025. In the T20 World Cup, he scored 242 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.72.
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His struggles continued in the IPL, where he managed 270 runs in 13 innings for Mumbai Indians at an average of 20.76. Recent performances in the Mumbai T20 League have also been modest, with scores of 19 and 4 in his first two matches for Triumphs Knights MNE.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Line for India Call-Up
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to receive his first India call-up for the two-match T20 series against Ireland.
If selected, the Rajasthan Royals opener would become the youngest player ever chosen in an Indian squad.
Sooryavanshi enjoyed a remarkable IPL 2026 season. He scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.31 and won several individual honours, including the Orange Cap and the Most Valuable Player award.
Before the Ireland series, he is scheduled to represent India A in a tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, starting on June 9.
Ireland and England Series Schedule
India will play two T20 Internationals against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and June 28.
The team will then travel to England for a five-match T20 series scheduled from July 1 to July 11.
The official squad announcement is expected after the selection committee meeting, which could confirm both Iyer's appointment as captain and Sooryavanshi's first senior India call-up.