Sanju Samson to Replace Suryakumar Yadav as India T20I Captain | Reports

Reports suggest Sanju Samson could captain India in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England amid Suryakumar Yadav’s poor form.

Sanju Samson has emerged as a strong candidate to become India’s next T20I captain after a brilliant run in recent months. A Jagran report stated that the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, remains highly impressed with the wicketkeeper-batter’s performances and leadership qualities.

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Samson played a major role in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup win. Although Gautam Gambhir and the team management initially preferred Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan as openers, Samson grabbed his chance after returning to the playing XI. The former Rajasthan Royals captain smashed an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in a must-win game, scored 89 against England and another 89 against New Zealand in the knockout rounds. Samson eventually won the Player of the Tournament award.

The report added that India could hand him the captaincy for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England after IPL 2026. Meanwhile, current skipper Suryakumar Yadav is struggling in IPL 2026. He has managed only 195 runs in 10 matches at an average of 19.52.

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Shreyas Iyer also entered discussions for India’s T20I captaincy, but his absence from the format since December 2023 might hurt his chances. Selectors reportedly want him to regain a regular spot first. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has strengthened his case with more than 400 IPL 2026 runs for Chennai Super Kings, including multiple centuries, besides his previous leadership experience with Rajasthan Royals.