Shreyas Iyer likely to replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain for Ireland and England Tour - Report

Indian selectors are preparing a major leadership shift in the T20I side. Shreyas Iyer is set to take over the captaincy from Suryakumar Yadav, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo. Notably, the board is also handing a first call-up to 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The moves form part of a bigger plan aimed at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 and the T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand the same year.

The T20I squad will be announced on Saturday for the tour of Ireland and England. This will mark India’s first T20I assignment since Suryakumar Yadav led the team to the World Cup title in March.

Suryakumar Yadav’s recent form

Suryakumar Yadav’s place in the side has come under question after inconsistent performances. The 35-year-old scored 242 runs in nine innings during the 2026 T20 World Cup at a strike rate of 136.72. His IPL 2026 season was even tougher. He managed just 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54.

According to the report, selectors believe fresh leadership is needed as the team looks ahead to major events in 2028. This is the second year in a row the board has made such a change after a major title win. Last year, Rohit Sharma was replaced as ODI captain after the Champions Trophy success, though he stayed in the squad.

Shreyas Iyer's recent form

Shreyas Iyer has not played a T20I since December 2023. He found it hard to break into the side because Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma occupied the middle-order spots. He was added to the squad as an injury replacement during the New Zealand series in January 2026 but did not get to play.

His captaincy record, however, is strong. Shreyas led Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024. He also took the Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020 and the Punjab Kings to the final in 2025.

With the bat, he has been in good touch. Shreyas scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07 in IPL 2025 and followed up with 498 runs at a strike rate of 168.81 in IPL 2026. These numbers have likely convinced selectors he is ready to lead the T20I team again.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set for historic maiden call-up

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is on course to become the youngest player selected for an India men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar in the late 1980s. The left-handed batter lit up IPL 2026 with 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30.

He will first play for India A in a tri-series in Sri Lanka that also involves Afghanistan. The series runs from June 9 to 21. This will give the teenager valuable experience before he joins the senior squad for the Ireland and England tour.

India’s Tour schedule and long-term vision

India will play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. They will then take on England in five T20Is from July 1 to 11. These matches will help the new captain and young players settle into their roles.

The selectors are clearly building towards cricket’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 and the T20 World Cup later that year. The squad announcement on Saturday will reveal the full picture.