Team India have entered a new chapter with Shreyas Iyer taking over the reins in T20Is after the All India Senior Men’s National Selection Committee decided to axe Suryakumar Yadav. The announcement came alongside the squads for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition 2026 to be held in Japan in September-October.
Suryakumar’s removal was a shock to many, given his outstanding record as captain. He led India in 52 T20Is, winning 42, losing only 8, with 2 matches ending in no results. That translates to a win percentage of 80.76% and a loss percentage of just 15.38%. He is one of only three Indian captains to have lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, joining MS Dhoni (2007) and Rohit Sharma (2024). Under his leadership, India won the 2026 edition, becoming the first home side to clinch the trophy and the first team to defend it.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav reacts to Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as India’s T20I captain
At 35, however, Surya’s international career appears to have reached its end. With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2028, the selectors signalled a clear shift towards the future, making it unlikely that he will be recalled.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer brings considerable leadership experience from the domestic and franchise circuit. He has captained in 114 T20 matches, winning 68, losing 43, with 3 no results. His record gives him a win percentage of 59.65% and a loss percentage of 37.71%.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Shreyas Iyer: Captaincy Record Comparison
| Player | Format | Matches | Wins | Losses | No Results | Win % | Loss % |
| Shreyas Iyer | T20s | 114 | 68 | 43 | 3 | 59.65% | 37.71 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | T20Is | 52 | 42 | 8 | 2 | 80.77% | 15.38% |
Shreyas Iyer’s first assignment as India’s T20I captain
Iyer’s first challenge as India’s T20I captain will be the two‑match series against Ireland in late June, followed by a five‑match series against England in July. Later in the year, he will lead India in their bid to defend the Asian Games gold medal in Japan during September–October.
India’s tour of Ireland 2026
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
| Fri, Jun 26 2026 | 1st T20I | Belfast, Civil Service Cricket Club |
| Sun, Jun 28 2026 | 2nd T20I | Belfast, Civil Service Cricket Club |
India’s tour of England 2026
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
| Wed, Jul 1 2026 | 1st T20I | Chester‑le‑Street, Riverside Ground |
| Sat, Jul 4 2026 | 2nd T20I | Manchester, Emirates Old Trafford |
| Tue, Jul 7 2026 | 3rd T20I | Nottingham, Trent Bridge |
| Thu, Jul 9 2026 | 4th T20I | Bristol, County Ground |
| Sat, Jul 11 2026 | 5th T20I | Southampton, The Rose Bowl |
