India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has reacted with grace after being replaced by Shreyas Iyer as the new T20I skipper. Hours after being dropped from India’s T20 squad, the Mumbai batter congratulated Shreyas and said he was proud that the country’s last three T20 captains had all emerged from Mumbai cricket.Speaking during the toss of a Mumbai T20 League match, Suryakumar said he was delighted for his long-time teammate. “I am so happy for Shreyas for becoming the captain of the Indian T20I team. We have played all our cricket together here in Mumbai and it feels amazing that the last three T20 captains of India have all come from Mumbai,” he said.The decision marks the end of a successful captaincy stint for Suryakumar, who led India from July 2024 to May 2026. Under his leadership, India retained the T20 World Cup title and dominated bilateral series.However, inconsistent form over the past 18 months and a modest T20 World Cup campaign prompted selectors to look ahead to the 2028 Olympics and the next T20 World Cup cycle.Shreyas Iyer’s elevation completes a remarkable comeback. Having fallen out of favour in late 2023, he rebuilt his credentials through impressive IPL performances, leading Kolkata Knight Riders to a title before guiding Punjab Kings to the final the following season.Suryakumar had previously expressed his desire to win Olympic gold with India in 2028. With Shreyas now captain and Tilak Varma named vice-captain, that ambition appears increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, Suryakumar’s reaction reflected professionalism, humility and unwavering support for Indian cricket.
