The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering major changes, including a potential change in captaincy, ahead of the team’s tour to Ireland and England for the T20I series.

Multiple reports suggest that the BCCI has decided to relieve current T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav of his leadership role, with only the formal announcement pending.

However, before finalising the move, head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to be consulted regarding Suryakumar’s future in the team.

Suryakumar’s recent form has raised concerns, making it challenging to retain him both as captain and a key player in the squad.

Although under Suryakumar, India won the T20 World Cup earlier this year, his performance with the bat was unimpressive.

His poor run continued in IPL 2026, scoring just 270 runs in 13 matches for the Mumbai Indians, who finished ninth in the standings.

Three contenders for captaincy

Reports indicate that the BCCI is now looking for a long-term captain ahead of the next T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2028.

So far, three candidates have been shortlisted for the job: Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, with Iyer reportedly in the lead.

Iyer’s experience and consistent performance in the IPL give him an edge, but both Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan could emerge as surprise contenders.

If Iyer is appointed captain, either Tilak or Ishan is likely to be named vice-captain.

Some reports also suggest that Sanju Samson could be considered for the T20 captaincy.

BCCI may field two T20 teams

With the Asian Games approaching, the BCCI is also expected to announce a separate squad for the event.

There is speculation that India could have two T20 teams simultaneously, which would allow the board to groom future leaders.

It may be mentioned that India had previously won the gold medal in T20 cricket at the 2022 Asian Games.