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Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has supported current Suryakumar Yadav to remain India’s T20 captain. His comments come at a time when rumors are spreading that Yadav’s days as captain are numbered.
Reports have identified several possible candidates to replace Suryakumar, but there is no concrete evidence that he will be replaced immediately.
As captain, Suryakumar Yadav has not lost any series/tournament in T20Is yet, and he 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 on home soil, and also the first team to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.
“The continuity of the team has to be maintained” – MSK Prasad
Prasad spoke on Cricbuzz and shared his selective insights on why India should stick with ‘Sky’ as T20I captain. While Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson were among those expected to replace him, indications at the moment are that Suryakumar’s job is safe.
Prasad said India had no candidate ready to replace Yadav and sacking him would create continuity issues.
“The biggest reason for retaining Suryakumar is the continuity of leadership. Currently, India do not have a long-term T20 captaincy solution to look forward to. Changing captains frequently disrupts the direction and culture of the team. India needs stability, clarity and a transition plan rather than sudden reactions based on ad-hoc,” Prasad said.
It is being told that Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy is in danger due to his poor form with the bat. The runs have decreased since he took over as full-time captain in July 2024. His poor form in IPL 2026 was also a reason for Mumbai Indians’ struggle.
“Suryakumar Yadav needs to guide the next leaders” – MSK Prasad
Prasad further said that the responsibility of grooming India’s next captain rests on the selectors and Suryakumar Yadav himself. He said the selectors need 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 the guidance of Suryakumar. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Tilak Verma and Ishan Kishan can be developed as India’s future T20 captains,” he said.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on wrist injury rumors amid IPL 2026
“Players like Suryakumar Yadav are rare” – MSK Prasad
Citing the adage that the form is temporary, Prasad said that sacking Suryakumar would be a very hasty and emotional decision. He said that the selectors should be patient with the players of Yadav category.
Prasad concluded, “India should avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term form. Instead, focus on building continuity, grooming future captains under their leadership, and building a strong long-term T20 structure. There may be ups and downs in form, but players with Suryakumar’s skills, leadership qualities and match-winning ability are extremely rare. Cultivating the next generation of captains as well as retaining them could be the smartest move for the future of Indian T20 cricket.”
