Suryakumar Responds After Being Replaced As T20I Captain

NEW DELHI – India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence after being replaced as the men’s T20I captain, extending his best wishes to the national team and expressing support for new skipper Shreyas Iyer.

Hours after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain and omitted Suryakumar from the squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland, England, and the Asian Games, the 35-year-old shared his first public reaction on social media.

In an Instagram story, Suryakumar posted a photograph of the Indian team and wrote, “Wishing this highly skilled group all the best for the challenges ahead.”

His message came shortly after India chief selector Ajit Agarkar described the decision to replace Suryakumar as captain as a difficult one.

“With regards to Surya, obviously, it’s a tough one, having just won the World Cup. Someone who’s led you to the World Cup, it’s not the easiest thing to try and change,” Agarkar said.

Later in the day, Suryakumar came face-to-face with newly appointed India captain Shreyas Iyer during a T20 Mumbai League match. Suryakumar was leading Triumph Knights MNE, while Shreyas was part of the SoBo Mumbai Falcons setup as an Impact Substitute. The two Mumbai teammates shared a warm hug before the start of the match, reflecting their long-standing bond as teammates for Mumbai and India.

Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar welcomed Shreyas’ appointment and described it as a proud moment for Mumbai cricket.

“As you said, so many things are happening, but obviously very, very, very happy for Shreyas as he’s getting to lead the T20 Indian team. We played a lot of cricket together in Bombay. The most important thing, what I felt, is that three back-to-back Mumbai captains are going to lead T20s for India. I think it’s a very proud moment, and everyone needs to celebrate that,” Suryakumar said.

Suryakumar also congratulated 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his maiden international call-up after a standout IPL 2026 campaign, writing on social media, “You have earned it and how. Super excited to follow your journey.” (IANS)