Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 4: Shreyas Iyer is reportedly set to take over as captain of the Indian T20I team for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, with Tilak Varma expected to be named vice-captain, replacing Axar Patel.
According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already decided on the leadership change, and the proposal is expected to be formally approved during an online meeting of the BCCI Apex Council.
The report claimed that current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav could be removed from the role despite leading India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year. He is expected to be informed of the decision following the meeting.
The report further stated that India head coach Gautam Gambhir had favoured Sanju Samson as Suryakumar's successor. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was reportedly not convinced by the proposal, while several members of the selection committee were said to have reservations regarding Samson's consistency and long-term suitability for the role.
Sources quoted in the report indicated that although Samson played a significant role in India's successful T20 World Cup campaign, selectors felt it was too early to entrust him with the responsibility of leading the side on a permanent basis.
Iyer, who was not part of India's World Cup-winning squad, enhanced his leadership credentials by guiding Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final. Although the franchise enjoyed a strong start in IPL 2026, it missed out on a playoff berth after suffering six consecutive defeats.
The Mumbai batter nevertheless enjoyed an impressive individual season, scoring 498 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 168.81. His tally included one century and five half-centuries.
The report also suggested that Iyer is likely to return to India's T20I middle order and occupy the No. 4 position currently held by Suryakumar.
Meanwhile, despite leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL titles and delivering consistent performances with the bat, Rajat Patidar's name reportedly did not come up for discussion during the selection deliberations.
An official announcement regarding India's squad and leadership group for the Ireland and England series is expected following the BCCI meeting.