Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on T20I captaincy removal: ‘Expected to lead for 2 more years’

Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence on his removal as India’s T20I captain, revealing that he expected to remain at the helm for at least another two years.

Suryakumar oversaw a hugely successful period as captain, with India remaining unbeaten in bilateral T20I series and also winning the Asia Cup. His biggest achievement came when India lifted the T20 World Cup, becoming the first team to win the tournament on home soil and securing a record third title.

However, his batting form dipped significantly in 2025. He scored just 218 runs in 21 matches at an average of 13.62. His struggles, coupled with an underwhelming IPL campaign, were followed by a major shake-up from the BCCI.

The board handed the T20I captaincy to Shreyas Iyer and dropped Suryakumar from the squad for the England tour.

Speaking to former India batter Aakash Chopra, Suryakumar revealed how he dealt with the shock of being left out. He said he smiled when he saw his name missing from the squad because staying calm and smiling has always been his way of handling difficult moments.

The former captain admitted that the decision came as a surprise because he had believed he would continue leading India through the next T20 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics.

“I felt that, going forward, I would be taking this team forward for another two years,” Suryakumar said.

Despite his disappointment, Suryakumar stressed that he respected the selectors’ decision and had no intention of questioning it. He said that if the team could achieve success under another captain, he would have no problem with the change.

‘How can this happen?’

Suryakumar admitted that accepting the decision was not easy, particularly because it came after India had won the T20 World Cup.

“I was thinking, how can this happen? How is it possible? We just won the World Cup,” he recalled.

He said the selectors contacted him two or three days before the squad announcement and told him that it was “time to move on”. Suryakumar chose not to react, believing that the decision-makers had made what they felt was the best call for the team.

The batter also made it clear that he remains ready to return whenever India need him.

“I am ready. You can call me anytime. I am playing cricket anytime. I will continue to play,” he said.

Suryakumar is now focusing on his fitness and performances as he looks to earn another opportunity with the Indian team.