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Former BCCI Chief Selector MSK Prasad has backed the incumbent Suryakumar Yadav to continue as India’s T20I captain. His remarks come at a time when rumours are rife that Yadav’s days as captain are numbered.
Reports have flagged many potential candidates to replace Suryakumar, but there doesn’t seem to be any concrete evidence that he would be replaced straight away.
As captain, Suryakumar Yadav is yet to lose a series/tournament in T20Is, and has also led India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year. That win made India the first team to win the T20 World Cup trophy at home, and also the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title
“Continuity of the team must be maintained” – MSK Prasad
Prasad spoke on Cricbuzz and shared his selectorial insights on why India should continue with ‘SKY’ as the T20I captain. While Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson were among the ones touted to replace him, the indication for now is that Suryakumar’s job is safe.
Prasad said that India does not have a candidate ready to take over from Yadav, and sacking him would lead to continuity issues.
“One of the biggest reasons to retain Suryakumar is leadership continuity. At present, India does not have a ready-made long-term T20 captaincy solution waiting in the wings. Changing captains frequently disrupts the team’s direction and culture. India needs stability, clarity, and a transition plan rather than sudden reactions based on temporary form,” Prasad said.
Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy is reportedly under threat due to his poor form with the bat. Since he took over as full-time captain in July 2024, the runs have dried. Even in IPL 2026, his poor form was one of the reasons for the Mumbai Indians’ struggles.
“Suryakumar Yadav needs to guide the next leaders” – MSK Prasad
Prasad went on to say that the onus of getting India’s next captain ready fell on the selectors and Suryakumar Yadav himself. He said that the selectors needed to start grooming the next captain and take Suryakumar’s guidance in identifying the next leader.
“Personally, I feel the selectors and team management should now start grooming the next generation of T20 leaders under Suryakumar’s guidance. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Ishan Kishan can be developed as future T20 captains for India,” he said.
“Over the next six months, these players can be made deputy leaders to Suryakumar Yadav in different series and conditions. This would allow India to gradually build leadership depth without creating unnecessary pressure or instability,” Prasad continued.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on wrist injury rumours amid IPL 2026
“Players like Suryakumar Yadav are rare” – MSK Prasad
Prasad cited the adage of form being temporary when he said that sacking Suryakumar would be an extremely rash and emotional decision. He said that with players of Yadav’s class, the selectors ought to be patient.
“India should avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term form. Instead, the focus should be on building continuity, grooming future captains under his leadership, and creating a strong long-term T20 structure. Form may fluctuate, but players with Suryakumar’s skillset, leadership qualities, and match-winning ability are extremely rare. Retaining him while simultaneously grooming the next generation of captains could be the smartest move for the future of Indian T20 cricket,” Prasad concluded.
