Kapil Dev on India's T20I captaincy switch: 'Only selectors can explain the decision'
New Delhi, June 8
Former skipper Kapil Dev on Monday stated that "only selectors can explain the decision" behind India's recent T20I captaincy switch, adding that the move to replace Suryakumar Yadav with Shreyas Iyer would have been thoroughly evaluated by the national selection committee before execution.
The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee officially named Iyer as India's T20I captain for the upcoming tours to Ireland and England, as well as the 2026 Asian Games.
The 1983 World Cup-winning skipper noted that the selectors remain the ultimate authority behind such leadership shifts. "I think the selectors must have thought about it, and that is why they made the change," Kapil Dev told IANS when asked about his views on Iyer taking over the reins from Suryakumar.
The 1983 World Cup winner further stated that those directly running the game or analyzing it daily hold the clear insights, "Only the selectors can give a better answer, or those who are closely involved with the game, like senior players and experts on television, can comment on it," he added.
Iyer's elevation to the T20I captaincy is a remarkable turnaround. He was out of India's T20I plans after December 2023, and has now forced his way back through consistent IPL performances and strong leadership credentials.
He led Kolkata Knight Riders to clinching the 2024 IPL title, and guided Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to IPL finals in 2020 and 2025, apart from leading Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win in 2024/25. He is the only player in IPL history to captain three different franchises to a final.
Iyer was picked for the home T20I series against New Zealand ahead of the T20 World Cup as a replacement for injured Tilak Varma, but didn't get a chance to play. At 31, Iyer returns to the T20I fold not only as a batter but as India's 15th captain in the shortest format, entrusted with steering the side into the next phase of its dominating journey.
It is also the second successive instance of an Indian captain being replaced soon after lifting an ICC trophy. In 2025, Rohit Sharma led India to the Champions Trophy triumph in March, but was replaced by Shubman Gill as the ODI captain before India toured Australia in October.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit confused with this decision. Suryakumar Yadav just led us to an ICC trophy, and within months he's replaced? That's harsh. Iyer is a good captain, no doubt, but this feels like the selectors are undermining SKY's achievements. Kapil Dev's diplomatic answer shows even legends are wary of criticizing the board. Indian cricket needs stability, not constant experimentation.
Shreyas Iyer's rise is a true phoenix story! From being out of T20I plans to becoming captain—what a turnaround! His IPL record speaks volumes: captaining three different franchises to finals is no joke. But I worry about the team's batting balance if he's also a key middle-order player. Leadership pressure can affect form, just ask Virat or Rohit. Hope the selectors have a long-term plan, not just a knee-jerk reaction.
As someone who follows IPL closely, I think this is a smart move. Suryakumar is an incredible batsman but his captaincy looked shaky in high-pressure moments during the last T20I series. Iyer's tactical nous with KKR was impressive—he outthought many opponents. But consistency in selection is key. If Iyer doesn't perform in the first few series, the pressure will mount quickly. India needs to back him fully.
This is getting ridiculous. Rohit was replaced as ODI captain soon after winning Champions Trophy, and now Suryakumar after a T20 World Cup win? What message are we sending to our captains? That performance doesn't guarantee security? Iyer is talented but this constant chopping and changing is destabilizing. Kapil Dev's cautious words show even he's uneasy. Bring back some sanity to Indian cricket selections, please!
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