Suryakumar Yadav is reportedly the favorite to become India’s next T20I captain. Considering that Hardik Pandya was the vice-captain in the 2024 T20 World Cup, it seemed like Hardik will become the captain of India in the T20I format, at least until 2026 T20 World Cup.
However, as per a report by PTI, Yadav has emerged as the favorite to become the new captain of the team. It is pertinent to note that Yadav captained India in T20I series against Australia and South Africa last season. Besides, he has also captained the Mumbai Indians team in IPL.
Before the BCCI officially announces the next captain of India in T20Is after Rohit Sharma, here’s a list of three reasons why Yadav is the best choice for the role.
1. Hardik Pandya has been an injury-prone player
The biggest issue with appointing Hardik Pandya as the captain in T20Is is that he is an injury-prone player. In the past, he missed matches for Gujarat Titans when he was their captain in IPL. Also, there were many matches, where he didn’t bowl for GT. Thus, this is the biggest reason why Suryakumar has an edge over Hardik.
2. Suryakumar Yadav has a great relationship with Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir has officially become the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. In case you didn’t know, Gambhir shared the dressing room with Suryakumar at Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL. Besides, he also rates Yadav highly, and such an equation between captain and coach can be perfect for the team’s success.
3. Yadav walks into India’s playing XI
If not Hardik Pandya, then the other options for the Indian captaincy position include Suryakumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill. Bumrah may skip a majority of bilateral matches, while it is tough to decide if Gaikwad or Gill are in India’s first-choice XI now. Thus, Yadav seems the best option.
