By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has handed the captaincy of the men’s T20I team to Shreyas Iyer, marking a beginning of a new era in the shortest format. The announcement was made in Mumbai on Saturday by chief selector Ajit Agarkar alongside BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
As part of the leadership transition, Tilak Varma has been appointed vice-captain. He will lead the Indian side during the upcoming two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast scheduled for June 26 and June 28, while Iyer is set to begin his tenure as full-time skipper during the five-match away series against England starting July 1.
The move signals a significant shift in India‘s T20 setup, with Suryakumar Yadav no longer occupying the captaincy role. Despite guiding India to T20 World Cup success on home soil recently, Suryakumar has been left out of the squads for both the Ireland and England assignments. He has also not found a place in India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Although Iyer has been absent from India’s T20I lineup since late 2023, his leadership credentials have grown considerably through domestic and franchise cricket. His ability to lead teams successfully, coupled with consistent performances, is understood to have influenced the selectors’ decision to entrust him with the responsibility.
The appointment reflects the selectors’ confidence in Iyer’s leadership qualities as India begins preparations for its upcoming international commitments in the T20 format.