Former Team India captain Kapil Dev has shared his views on Shreyas Iyer replacing Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain. The change in captaincy surprised many fans and experts, especially after India's strong run in the format, including the T20 World Cup 2026 victory at home under Suryakumar's captaincy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a revamped 16-member squad on June 6 for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England. Shreyas Iyer was appointed captain, while Tilak Varma was named vice-captain. Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, was left out of the squad following a dip in form.
The Selectors Must Have Thought About It - Kapil Dev on Shreyas Iyer Replacing Suryakumar Yadav
Kapil Dev believes the selectors would have carefully considered their decision before replacing Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain. The former India skipper said that the move must have been made after detailed discussions within the selection panel and team management.
"I think the selectors must have thought about it, and that is why they made the change. Only the selectors can give a better answer, or those who are closely involved with the game, like senior players and experts on television, can comment on it."
Delhi: When asked about Shreyas Iyer replacing Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain, former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev says, "I think the selectors must have thought about it, and that is why they made the change. Only the selectors can give a better answer, or those who are… pic.twitter.com/jvf5ustjt7
— IANS (@ians_india) June 8, 2026
Shreyas Iyer will begin his tenure as India's T20I captain when the team face Ireland in the first match of the two-game series in Belfast on June 26, 2026. Although Iyer has not played a T20I since December 2023, he brings plenty of experience to the role.
He has led Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and also guided Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to IPL finals. Iyer made his T20I debut against New Zealand in Delhi in November 2017. He has played 51 T20Is and scored 1,104 runs in 47 innings at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12, including eight fifties.
IPL Is the Most Important Tournament in the World - Kapil Dev on Team India Selection
Kapil Dev believes the IPL plays a major role in shaping India's national teams. The former India captain said that the tournament gives selectors the best platform to assess players, monitor their form, and identify the right candidates for different roles in the squad.
"Definitely IPL is the most important tournament in the world and with that selector must be watching who's playing, you know, which type of cricket. The selectors have an option now. They have people there who can fit in the team at the right place."
Delhi: When asked about IPL have an impact on selection process, Former Indian Cricketer Kapil Dev says, "Definitely IPL is the most important tournament in the world and with that selector must be watching who's playing you know which type of cricket and the selector have an… pic.twitter.com/VWYAGNMjYd
— IANS (@ians_india) June 8, 2026
Suryakumar Yadav's Successful Captaincy Stint Ends After T20 World Cup Triumph
Suryakumar Yadav has an outstanding record as India's T20I captain. Under his leadership, India remained unbeaten in bilateral T20I series and won both the Asia Cup 2026 and the T20 World Cup 2026. He led India in 52 T20Is, winning 40 and losing only eight. Two matches ended in no result.
Despite those achievements, the BCCI removed Suryakumar from the captaincy ahead of the Ireland and England tours and also left him out of the T20I squad. Shreyas Iyer was named the new captain, while Tilak Varma was appointed vice-captain.
During India's T20 World Cup 2026-winning campaign, he scored 242 runs in nine innings at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72, with one half-century. He also struggled for runs in IPL 2026 with Mumbai Indians, leading the selectors to look at other options.
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