Who Should Replace Suryakumar Yadav As India's T20I Captain? Former Selector Gives Clear-Cut Answer

Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim stated that Suryakumar Yadav's batting slump does not justify his inclusion in the team, particularly as selectors are currently concentrating on the 2028 T20 World Cup. Despite scoring a few half-centuries against New Zealand earlier this year and playing a match-winning effort in the T20 World Cup opener against the USA, the 35-year-old Suryakumar has not been able to maintain his batting form. Even in the IPL, the current Indian T20I captain struggled for runs, scoring just 270 at a strike rate of 147.54 in 13 games with just two fifties. “On current form, Suryakumar may not be a part of the selection committee’s vision to take this team forward. We have seen that in the past; the selection committee moved on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and they picked a new side.

So, one can see that happening even now for the T20 World Cup that will take place in 2028," Karim was quoted as saying by PTI. “Even in the World Cup, Suryakumar’s form was very indifferent and that has continued in the IPL. I think the selectors have to look ahead now," Saba Karim added. Saba Karim On Next India Captain Rajat Patidar, who has guided a star-studded Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two straight titles, is one of the contenders to head India, according to Karim.

However, Patidar has not yet made his T20I debut. “I would like to add Rajat Patidar’s name as a contender for captaincy. Winning back-to-back IPL titles is a very tough assignment and he has done that in a very calm and very assured manner," Karim said. “He has had to lead a team of individuals and foreign players who have been star players for their national sides. To lead such a team, which has so many legends and a mix of experience, is a very difficult assignment and he has accomplished that." However, Karim gave several options for the leadership position, like as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. “I think Shreyas Iyer would be one of those candidates. I have Sanju Samson, and in fact, Ishan Kishan too.

I think there will be two or three strong contenders to take over the captaincy," he said. Karim stated that he does not believe the selectors would take Hardik Pandya into consideration. “I think the selectors have raised question marks about Hardik Pandya’s leadership skills. Last season, although Mumbai Indians did qualify for the playoffs, there were some question marks raised about his style of leadership. Even on current form, I don’t think he would justify his position as the captain of the Indian side," he said.

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