Gill, Tilak Candidates For India T20I Captaincy, Gambhir Can Block Shreyas Iyer: Report

BCCI is weighing Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyer as India’s next T20 captain. Gautam Gambhir's equation with Shreyas is a concern.

Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma are among the possible India men’s T20I captaincy candidates reportedly being considered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) if the board decides to move on from the under-fire incumbent, Suryakumar Yadav.

The Mumbaikar’s form has been poor for the last two years. Apart from the occasional quality knock, Suryakumar has averaged in the low 20s across internationals and the IPL, which has prompted otherwise unexpected discussions about dropping a T20 World Cup-winning captain.

According to a PTI report, Shreyas is a ‘powerful contender,’ but whether he gets the final nod will depend on head coach Gautam Gambhir. The report said Gambhir would carry the final say in the captaincy choice, and there’s uncertainty about his equation with Iyer.

That’s because then Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas is said to have been left disappointed with team mentor Gambhir getting most of the credit for the IPL 2024 win.

So, the other options being considered are Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma.

The report said Gill’s stocks have been rising because of his success with the Gujarat Titans, who have finished IPL 2026 in the top two. He is said to have been chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s first choice as the all-format captain before a poor T20 run before the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup changed those plans.

Still, if Suryakumar is sacked, Gill is expected to have a shot at making his comeback in the opening position, with Sanju Samson then expected to drop down to number three, and Ishan Kishan to four.

While Tilak’s form for Mumbai Indians has been quite inconsistent, he’s also a serious name doing the rounds.

“Don’t rule out Tilak if Surya is sacked. There’s a reason that Tilak has been made captain for tri-nation A series where selectors would get to see his leadership skills," the report quoted a source as saying.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be the king-maker?

Interestingly, the report suggested that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can have an impact on the race. Because the BCCI wants a clear path for him ahead of the 2028 Olympics, any decision on captaincy might have to be taken considering how he’ll fit in the 11.

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