Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav opened up on the BCCI's decision to drop him from the squad soon after leading the side to the T20 World Cup 2026 title.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee decided to move in a different direction and picked Shreyas Iyer to lead India in the series against Ireland and England.

Suryakumar's recent batting form was believed to be one of the main reasons behind the selectors' decision. The stylish batter was going through a lean patch of his career over the last two years and didn't manage to score a single fifty in T20Is in 2025.

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His batting numbers were not at their best during the T20 World Cup either. His most notable contribution with the bat came against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium.

However, Suryakumar was highly successful as captain. India did not lose a T20I series under his leadership and eventually lifted the World Cup on home soil.

Despite the disappointment of being left out, Suryakumar said his first reaction was surprisingly calm. He tried to understand the selectors' point of view instead of questioning their decision.

The decision still came as a surprise to him. Suryakumar admitted that he had expected to continue leading the team for the next couple of years, especially with the Olympics and another T20 World Cup ahead.

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Suryakumar Admits the Decision Was Difficult

Although he accepted the selectors' decision initially, Suryakumar revealed that he later found it difficult to understand why the change was needed.

He pointed out that India had enjoyed an excellent run under his leadership, winning the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup without losing a series.

Away from the cricket field, Suryakumar said he spent time with friends and family. But once everyone left, he was left alone with his thoughts and struggled to understand what had happened.

What Selectors Told Suryakumar

Suryakumar also revealed that the selectors spoke to him a few days before the squad for the England series was announced.

According to the former India T20I captain, he was informed directly that the selectors had decided it was time to move on.

Despite losing his place in the squad, Suryakumar made it clear that he is still ready to play for India whenever the opportunity comes his way.