Why Sanju Samson could beat Shreyas Iyer to India's T20I captaincy if Suryakumar Yadav is replaced: One key reason cited
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Why Sanju Samson could beat Shreyas Iyer to India's T20I captaincy if Suryakumar Yadav is replaced: One key reason cited originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Sanju Samson is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain.
- Samson's stellar 2026 form puts him ahead of Shreyas Iyer in race.
- Shreyas must first earn his T20I place before captaincy is considered.
Sanju Samson could pip Shreyas Iyer to India's T20I captaincy: Here's why?
India's T20I captaincy might change hands, and if it happens, Sanju Samson appears to be the man who is most likely to get the nod over Punjab Kings' skipper Shreyas Iyer.
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According to a report in Dainik Jagran, Samson is currently the leading candidate to take over the reins. The change in guard is on the cards and could potentially take place as early as the upcoming series against Ireland and England.
Suryakumar Yadav's dwindling batting returns have led the selectors to consider a replacement. In IPL 2026, he has scored just 195 runs across ten matches, averaging a modest 19.52 at a strike rate that has not even crossed the 150-mark.
His numbers in the T20 World Cup 2026, which India won under his captaincy, were not particularly convincing either. If we strip out his innings against the USA, his contributions through the tournament were largely forgettable. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is now keeping a close eye on his form and has not ruled out handing leadership to someone else.
That said, the report notes that Suryakumar may still lead India on the UK tour, but only if his batting improves. If he travels as captain, Samson is expected to accompany him as vice-captain.
MORE: Is it the end of captain SKY era? Suryakumar Yadav's IPL and T20I form could cost him India spot
Why is Shreyas Iyer behind Sanju Samson in the T20I captaincy queue?
Shreyas Iyer's name has also surfaced in captaincy conversations, but one significant factor is holding him back. The selectors' concern is that Shreyas has not represented India in T20 internationals since December 2023. Samson, by contrast, has been an active and trusted part of the setup.
The committee wants Shreyas to first secure a starting place in the T20I side before any leadership conversation becomes relevant. However, the door is not entirely shut.
If Suryakumar's lean patch drags on, Shreyas, who is currently leading Punjab Kings in the IPL, could find his way back into the middle order. He has already won an IPL title with Kolkata Knight Riders and taken both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals to finals.
On the other hand, it has been a remarkable year for Samson. He did not even make the playing XI for the T20 World Cup, but when called upon in the business end of the tournament, he delivered exactly when it mattered most.
He scored match-winning knocks against the West Indies in the Super 8s, England in the semi-final, and New Zealand in the final. That earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
He then carried that form seamlessly into IPL 2026, where he has been one of the standout performers for Chennai Super Kings. Two centuries and a fifty in ten matches have taken him to 402 runs at an average of 57.43.
There is also talk that he could replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK's captain in the next season. Crucially, Samson is no stranger to leadership, having previously captained the Rajasthan Royals and guided them all the way to the IPL final in the 2022 season.
MORE: KKR's IPL 2026 playoff chances detailed: Qualification scenarios, wins and points required
The Cricket News Opinion: Samson has earned this moment
If India decides to change their T20I captain, Samson is the right call. He has shown that he can hold himself together when the stakes are highest, which is precisely the quality you need in a captain at a World Cup.
Shreyas may well get his turn, but the selectors are right to insist he earns his spot in the team first.
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