Suryakumar Yadav on T20I captaincy exit: ‘I thought I’d lead India for two more years’

Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about his unexpected removal as India’s T20I captain, admitting that he had expected to remain in charge for at least another two years.

Under Suryakumar’s leadership, India enjoyed a highly successful run, remaining unbeaten in bilateral T20I series and adding the Asia Cup to their list of achievements. The biggest highlight came with India’s historic T20 World Cup triumph, which made them the first team to win the tournament on home soil and lifted the trophy for a record third time.

However, Suryakumar’s individual form declined during 2025. He managed 218 runs in 21 matches at an average of 13.62, while his IPL campaign also failed to meet his own expectations. The BCCI subsequently opted for a leadership change, handing the captaincy to Shreyas Iyer and leaving Suryakumar out of the squad for the England tour.

Speaking to former India batter Aakash Chopra, Suryakumar revealed that he smiled when he saw his name missing from the squad as a way of dealing with the disappointment.

He explained that smiling has always been his way of staying calm during difficult phases of his career. Rather than reacting emotionally, he chose to accept the decision and remain grateful for the opportunities he had received.

Suryakumar also admitted that he had imagined leading India into the next T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics. He believed that, after the start of 2026, he would continue guiding the team for another two years.

“At the same time, what you think and what the other person thinks are two different things,” Suryakumar said. He added that he respected the selectors’ decision and would have no complaints if the team performed well under a different captain.

‘How can this happen?’

Despite accepting the decision, Suryakumar acknowledged that it was difficult for him to comprehend the BCCI’s move, especially so soon after India’s World Cup triumph.

He recalled wondering how such a decision could come after the team had just won the World Cup. While friends and family reassured him that such setbacks were part of life, he admitted that dealing with the disappointment was particularly difficult once he was alone.

Suryakumar further revealed that the selectors had contacted him two or three days before the squad announcement and told him that it was time for a change.

He said he did not argue or react because he believed the selectors had made what they considered the best decision for the team. He also made it clear that he remains available for India and will continue playing domestic and competitive cricket while waiting for another opportunity.

Suryakumar has since said that he is working hard on his fitness and remains hopeful of making his way back into the Indian team.