India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav may have lifted the trophy earlier this year, but questions over his batting form continue to surround the 35-year-old. The right-handed batter scored 242 runs during India’s victorious campaign, with his standout innings coming in the opening match against the USA, where he struck an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls.
However, Suryakumar struggled to maintain that momentum in the rest of the tournament and failed to produce consistent performances in subsequent matches.
His form has also been under scrutiny in the IPL 2026 season. Representing the Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar has managed 106 runs in the first four matches, with his highest score being 51 against the Delhi Capitals.
Gambhir Wants Extension Until 2028
According to a PTI report, India head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen to extend his tenure with the national team until the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia. Gambhir’s current contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Despite the debate around leadership in the T20 format, the report states that Gambhir continues to back Suryakumar Yadav as his first-choice captain for the shortest format.
India’s upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether Suryakumar remains the long-term captain leading into the 2028 cycle, which also includes cricket’s return at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Selectors Yet To Make Final Call
While Gambhir supports Suryakumar’s leadership, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is yet to take a final decision on India’s long-term T20 captaincy. One concern within the board is Suryakumar’s age, as he will be close to 38 by the time the 2028 Olympics and the T20 World Cup take place.
A BCCI source told PTI that performance over the next two years will be key in shaping the leadership decision.
“Obviously Surya is now leading the team. But he also has to ensure that, as a batter, he maintains consistency. He will lead in the UK series, but discussions going forward until 2028 could be purely performance-based,” the source said.
Form Remains A Concern
Suryakumar endured a difficult 2025, failing to register a single half-century while his strike rate dipped below 120. However, he bounced back in 2026 with improved performances, scoring four fifties during the T20 World Cup at a strike rate above 160.
Still, inconsistency remains an issue. During the tournament, his scores included 18, 18, 11 and 0 against strong opponents such as South Africa, West Indies, England and New Zealand.
With the next global events approaching in 2028, the coming months could prove decisive for both Gambhir’s tenure and Suryakumar’s future as India’s T20 captain.
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