Pandya is a frontrunner in the captaincy race, having led India 16 times in the T20 format between 2022 and 2023. He was also named captain for a three-match series against New Zealand and another against Sri Lanka and led the team to victory both times.
Yadav led India in a five-match T20 series against Australia last year and also captained against South Africa in December. Despite the pressure of the role, he maintained momentum as a batsman and hit 56 runs in his last match as captain.
Star bowler Bumrah is also a lead contender in the race, having assumed vice captaincy multiple times. Bumrah also led India in two T20s last year against Ireland. His bowling and sharpness are vital to the team.
Gill currently leads Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will also lead India in the upcoming five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. This will be his first time as captain in international cricket.
Shah said, "Captaincy will be decided by the selectors and we will announce it after discussing it with them. You asked about Hardik, there were a lot of questions about his form but we and selectors showed faith in him and he proved himself."