World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav set to be removed as T20 skipper

Suryakumar Yadav (Pic: AFP)

Suryakumar Yadav is on the verge of being stripped of the Indian T20 team's captaincy. The decision is expected to be communicated even before the squad for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom is finalised.

With Suryakumar's leadership role under immediate threat, middle-order batters Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma have emerged as the frontrunners to take over the mantle.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia is expected to update the Apex Council on whether the national selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir share a similar vision regarding this major leadership transition. It is understood that if Suryakumar loses the captaincy, he will also lose his spot in the playing XI entirely, following a lean patch that has lasted nearly 18 months.

"Surya is set to be removed from captaincy. The selectors wanted to wait till the end of IPL to see whether he can get back to form. Since he looked completely out of form and not just out of runs... a tough call needs to be taken," a BCCI source aware of the developments told PTI on Wednesday.

"The selectors would be dropping him from long list and had given an indication that Surya is now out of their scheme of things. Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma are contenders to become the next T20 captain."

Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma are contenders to become next T20 captain

The selection committee finds itself weighing different philosophies. Following Suryakumar's imminent departure, Shreyas Iyer appears to be the most realistic candidate on paper, given his recent credentials as an IPL-winning captain.

On the other hand, Tilak Varma represents a forward-looking, long-term option. Many within the selection circle view the youngster as an ideal leader for the future due to his age.

"Tilak has been made captain for the A series in Sri Lanka to check out his captaincy credentials," the sources added.

While Gambhir is said to favour Sanju Samson, who enjoyed an excellent knockout campaign during the T20 World Cup, the selection panel remains sceptical about whether either Samson or Ishan Kishan can deliver the sustained consistency required for a permanent role.

(With PTI inputs)