Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan Lead the List of Young Contenders for India’s T20 Captaincy After Suryakumar Yadav’s Removal

As the BCCI gears up to formally ratify the removal of Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain on Saturday (June 6), three names have emerged as the leading contenders to take over the reins, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma.

According to sources, the selectors will meet in Mumbai to finalize the leadership transition, with a clear eye on the long-term future, specifically the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the T20 World Cup scheduled later that year. Notably, Sanju Samson, whose name has figured prominently in media speculation, is unlikely to make the final cut.

While there is no unanimity yet on the preferred candidate, the selection panel is weighing both experience and future potential.

Tilak Varma (23) and Ishan Kishan (27) represent the younger brigade, with Tilak being the youngest contender. Both have been part of India’s recent T20I setup and are viewed as long-term assets. Kishan, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, offers versatility at the top order, while Tilak has impressed with his composure and finishing ability.

Shreyas Iyer (31) , however, remains very much in contention despite not having played a T20I in nearly 30 months; his last appearance in the format dates back to December 2023. During this period, India have played 63 T20Is, won two T20 World Cups, and evolved under a new aggressive philosophy.

Iyer’s leadership credentials, particularly following his transformative stint with Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, where he galvanized the franchise to a remarkable season, continue to hold weight. While Punjab Kings failed to reach the playoffs this year after a blazing start, Iyer’s captaincy acumen remains unquestioned. The primary factor working against him is his prolonged absence from the T20I setup itself.

The final decision is expected to shape India’s roadmap for the 2028 Olympics and beyond.

                                               

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