Sportstar <\/i>understands that India\u2019s T20I succession plan is expected to be informally discussed on the sidelines of the senior national selection committee meeting in Guwahati on May 19.<\/p>\n
While the meeting has officially been convened to pick the Test squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, the selectors are also likely to initiate conversations around the T20I set-up for the Ireland and England tours, for which the squad will be selected early in June.<\/p>\n
It will be the first in-person meeting of the selection panel since India\u2019s T20 World Cup triumph on March 8 under Suryakumar\u2019s leadership. Initially, a section of the selectors, team management and the BCCI hierarchy had been inclined towards continuing with the winning combination through the Ireland and England assignments.<\/p>\n
However, Suryakumar\u2019s \u201cevident struggles\u201d with the bat \u2014 first during the World Cup and now in IPL 2026 \u2014 have prompted some within the decision-making group to acknowledge that the transition process may need to begin sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n
\nSuryakumar Yadav in T20Is – As captain | Not as captain
\n<\/h5>\n
Matches: 52 | 61<\/p>\n
Innings: 49 | 58<\/p>\n
Runs: 1232 | 2040<\/p>\n
HS: 100 | 117<\/p>\n
Average: 28.65 | 43.40<\/p>\n
Strike rate: 154.96 | 168.17<\/p>\n
100s: 1 | 3<\/p>\n
50s: 8 | 17\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Despite the ODI World Cup in 2027 remaining the larger focus, the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand presents India with a rare chance to chase a third successive title. With Suryakumar set to turn 36 in September, there is growing belief among stakeholders that he may not remain part of the long-term T20 roadmap.<\/p>\n
The challenge, however, lies in succession itself. India do not yet have a clear and proven candidate waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n
Suryakumar\u2019s batting numbers have dipped noticeably since taking over as permanent T20I captain in July 2024. Barring a strong IPL 2025 campaign, he has struggled to consistently impose himself with the bat \u2014 a downturn that has now spilled into the ongoing season as well.<\/p>\n
\nSuryakumar Yadav in IPL 2026
\n<\/h5>\n
\nMatches: 11<\/p>\n
Runs: 195<\/p>\n
HS: 51<\/p>\n
Average: 17.73<\/p>\n
Strike rate: 144.44<\/p>\n
100s\/ 50s: 0\/ 1\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Nabi in line for maiden Test call-up<\/b><\/p>\n
Aaqib Nabi is likely to earn a maiden Test call-up after playing a key role in Jammu & Kashmir\u2019s historic Ranji Trophy triumph. With Harshit Rana and Akash Deep unavailable, the selectors are likely to include the swing bowler in the 15-member squad for the Afghanistan Test.<\/p>\n
It also remains to be seen whether Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the fixture.<\/p>\n
Published on May 16, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n