India T20I Squad Announcement Highlights: BCCI confirms selection timings; Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get the big call-up as Shreyas Iyer tipped to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain?
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 05, 2026, 23:19:55 IST
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India T20I Squad Announcement Highlights: BCCI confirms selection timings; Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get the big call-up as Shreyas Iyer tipped to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain?

India T20I Squad Announcement Highlights: India's selection meeting on Saturday is expected to usher in sweeping changes, with Shreyas Iyer poised to become the new T20 captain and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set for his first senior call-up ahead of the white-ball tour of the UK and the Asian Games.

Suryakumar Yadav, who led India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year, is likely to be removed as captain and dropped from the squad altogether after struggling for runs over the last 18 months while reportedly managing a wrist injury.

Iyer's elevation comes on the back of his remarkable leadership credentials in the IPL. He is the only captain to have led three different franchises — Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings — to IPL finals, underlining the confidence selectors have in his tactical abilities. The 31-year-old is also expected to slot into the middle order at No. 4.

Tilak Varma is tipped to become vice-captain and could even lead India at the Asian Games in Japan later this year. Sooryavanshi, just 15, is set to be among the biggest talking points of the squad announcement, while Prince Yadav and Harsh Dubey are among the fresh faces in contention.

Another issue on the selectors' table will be whether veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar earns a recall after his 28-wicket IPL season. However, with an eye on the 2028 Olympics and T20 World Cup, the Ajit Agarkar-led panel is expected to weigh immediate needs against long-term planning.
23:19 (IST) Jun 05
India T20I Squad Announcement Highlights: These squads will be announced tomorrow
a) Two-match T20I Series against Ireland

b) Five-match T20I Series against England

c) 2026 Asian Games in Japan

d) India A's two multi-day matches in Sri Lanka
22:10 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: All eyes will be on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi said teenaged left-handed opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has to be rewarded with an India T20I cap, adding that he has ticked all boxes and could even one day terrorise Test match bowlers as well.


Sooryavanshi, who was the Player of the Tournament in India winning the 2026 U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, is poised to become the youngest cricketer in an India men’s squad since Sachin Tendulkar’s debut in 1989. He had an outstanding time while playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, where he amassed 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. Sooryavanshi, 15, will next turn out for India A in the 50-over tri‑series against Afghanistan ‘A’ and hosts Sri Lanka ‘A’ from June 9 to 21 in Dambulla.


"I think the way to handle him is reward him with an India cap because the way he's performed in the last two years - he's hitting all the top bowlers of the world. In the first year, a lot of people said that was the first year. But look at the way he's hitting. He's hitting in front, right? He's playing all authentic shots.


"What was heartening for me to see is that if you remember his last two knocks, he got 27-ball 94 (97). In the last game, in Qualifier 2 where RR lost, he got 90-odd (96). But in different circumstances, right? There were wickets falling from the other end. He was rotating the strike. So, if required, he can shift gears, which is more alarming for world cricket, right?" Gandhi said in an exclusive conversation with IANS on Friday.

20:45 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: What is on BCCI's agenda tomorrow?
The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will meet in Mumbai to finalise squads for India's upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England. The primary focus centres on the T20I captaincy.

Current skipper Suryakumar Yadav faces scrutiny after a prolonged lean patch, making standout IPL leader Shreyas Iyer a major frontrunner to succeed him.

Additionally, selectors will announce India's 'A' squad for the red-ball series in Sri Lanka and shortlist players for the Asian Games. Discussions will also include potentially handing maiden T20I call-ups to breakout IPL 2026 stars Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Rajat Patidar.
19:54 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for England Series: Former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi opens up
Apart from Sooryavanshi, Rajat Patidar will also be in huge focus after being the driving force behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful defence of their IPL crown as both captain and batter. But with Shreyas Iyer in equally good form, how the selectors could accommodate Patidar remains to be seen.

"He's made a big boost for his case because the way he's performed, and the way he's led the side to back-to-back IPL trophies is a fantastic achievement. The way he's performed under pressure when you're defending a trophy is never easy," Gandhi told news agency IANS.

"I think selectors will definitely reward him with a place in the squad. I don't know whether he'll feature in the playing XI or not, but I think definitely on the basis of his performance, he definitely deserves a spot," added Gandhi.
18:18 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: India squads for Ireland, England tours to be announced on Saturday
The BCCI's Men’s Selection Committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will meet at the board's headquarters on Saturday to finalise India's squads for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.

The meeting will be held at the BCCI Headquarters, with the squad announcement expected to generate significant interest as selectors decide on key inclusions and combinations.

Following the selection meeting, Agarkar and BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia will address a press conference.

The media interaction is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM IST on the fourth floor of the BCCI headquarters.
17:45 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: Former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi shares his opinion on captaincy debate
"I think the Olympics are two years hence. Are the selectors looking at him for two years hence? So, that's the big question. See, the competition is pretty stiff. Everybody has to be performing and there are so many players who are performing. Shreyas has been doing well," Former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi told news agency IANS.

"Then Rajat Patidar has been doing well. Surya, once he has come and from the last two years, he's been phenomenal (as captain). So, there are always slots up for grabs. Somebody is always waiting in the wings. Most importantly, the way Surya has batted, I think that is a matter of concern. But going ahead, yes, I think we need to move on now," Gandhi added.
17:10 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: Former chief selector MSK Prasad on future leader
“If you see, after the World Cup, all the players who played in the World Cup looked jaded and exhausted in the IPL. So, why don't you give a break to all those World Cup players and give opportunities to those who have performed in this IPL?" former chief selector MSK Prasad said.

“So, in that way, you hand over that baton to Shreyas Iyer or XYZ and whoever is seen as a future leader. I think Shreyas is definitely a potential guy. So, you make and send them to Ireland because I am sure that they can beat Ireland. So, give a break to them because this IPL has been a very, very hot summer, and immediately after the World Cup.

“Give a break for all those players and look forward to giving chances to those younger and next-level players, as that will give you a good indication about how to move forward. If you can give opportunities to all these potential players who have done well and who are also seen seriously in the mix from a leadership perspective, someone like Rajat Patidar or Ishan Kishan, as they are already in the wings.

“They are already playing for the country in some form or another. So, make a good side, then Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is there too, while Abhishek and Sanju are anyway there. Give some break to all those people who looked very tired - both physically and mentally,” he concluded.
15:55 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for England Series: Former India chief selector MSK Prasad on potential removal of SKY from captaincy duties

“See, are you sending your first team or are you sending your second level? That's the biggest concern. So, if they are sending the first team, I think overlooking Surya is not the right thing to do because he just handed over one more Men’s T20 World Cup to us," MSK Prasad told news agency IANS.


“So, ideally, probably next 5‑6 months or now you have to get ready with your next leaders, right? Axar Patel was your vice‑captain till the T20 World Cup win. Ideally, if you look at it, you have to look forward to the younger leaders. So, if you can identify such leaders and make a deputy to Surya, it will be nice to see. Surya is a phenomenal player.


"I know that he has gone through a rough patch in the last 1‑1.5 years. Of course, we have other players like Rajat Patidar coming up, and they also deserve their places.


"So, what I would like to say is that, removing Surya at this stage, I think, is not the right signal. Give him a couple of series, and if his lean patch continues, then you have a deputy to whom you can hand over the captaincy baton."

15:04 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar be considered?
India’s selectors appear ready to move beyond Mohammed Shami, but a potential return for Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains a talking point. The veteran fast bowler impressed in the IPL with 28 wickets, showing excellent form despite being 36 years old.

His performances on batting-friendly pitches have highlighted his skill and consistency, and many believe his swing bowling could be particularly effective in English conditions.

However, selection decisions under chief selector Ajit Agarkar have generally been guided by long-term planning rather than short-term results.

As a result, the selection committee is likely to consider not only Bhuvneshwar’s current form but also his future availability.

A key question will be whether he can remain competitive and fit enough to contribute to India’s plans for major tournaments in 2028, including cricket’s return at the 2028 Summer Olympics and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, when he would be close to 39 years old.
14:49 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: Plenty of captaincy options available
Prasad sees no shortage of leadership candidates.

Apart from Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer, he named Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and Rajat Patidar as options.

He described Tilak as "the answer for the next few years for Indian cricket in T20 formats" and praised Patidar's recent achievements, saying he should certainly be looked at.
14:48 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for England Series: Groom future leaders under Surya
Prasad suggested retaining Suryakumar while identifying younger leaders as deputies.

"Give him a couple of series, and if his lean patch continues, then you have a deputy to whom you can hand over the captaincy baton," he said.

He advocated preparing future captains now rather than making abrupt changes.
14:27 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for Ireland Series: MSK Prasad urges patience with Surya
Former chief selector MSK Prasad, however, has taken a contrasting view. He believes removing Suryakumar from captaincy immediately would send the wrong signal, especially after the batter led India to another T20 World Cup title.

"Overlooking Surya is not the right thing to do because he just handed over one more Men's T20 World Cup to us," Prasad told IANS.
14:27 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets strong backing
Karim also made a strong case for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

The 15-year-old is set to feature in the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka, and Karim believes impressive performances there could fast-track his international debut.

"I strongly feel that such a talent needs to be picked as soon as possible because he has done enough to warrant a place in the squad," he said.
14:26 (IST) Jun 05
India T20I Squad: Hardik not among Karim's favourites
Interestingly, Karim doesn't think Hardik Pandya would be high on the selectors' list. He pointed to criticism surrounding Hardik's leadership during Mumbai Indians' campaign and questioned whether his current form justified a captaincy role.

"I don't think he would justify his position as the captain of the Indian side," Karim remarked.
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13:56 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: Iyer, Samson and Kishan also in contention
While Patidar has strengthened his case, Karim believes Shreyas Iyer remains among the frontrunners.

"I think Shreyas Iyer would be one of those candidates. I have Sanju Samson, and in fact, Ishan Kishan too," he said.

According to Karim, there are at least two or three strong contenders ready to take over India's T20 leadership.
13:56 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for England Series: Leading star-studded sides isn't easy
Karim highlighted the challenge of leading experienced overseas players and established stars.

"He has had to lead a team of individuals and foreign players who have been star players for their national sides. To lead such a team with so many legends is very difficult and he has accomplished that," he said, adding that Patidar deserved to be considered seriously.
13:31 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for Ireland Series: Patidar enters captaincy conversation
Karim strongly backed Rajat Patidar as a potential captaincy candidate after the batter guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL titles.

The former selector praised Patidar's calm demeanour and his ability to manage a dressing room full of international stars.

"Winning back-to-back IPL titles is a very tough assignment and he has done that in a very calm and assured manner," he said.
13:30 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: Looking ahead to 2028
"We have seen that in the past; the selection committee moved from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and they picked a new side," Karim said.

"One can see that happening even now for the T20 World Cup that will take place in 2028."

According to him, Suryakumar's indifferent World Cup form followed by a poor IPL campaign should prompt selectors to look ahead.
13:12 (IST) Jun 05
India T20I Squad: Form concerns continue for SKY
Suryakumar's struggles have extended from international cricket to the IPL.

Despite a few half-centuries against New Zealand and a match-winning effort against the USA in the T20 World Cup opener, consistency has deserted him.

He managed only 270 runs in 13 IPL matches at a strike rate of 147.54.

Karim pointed out that the selectors had earlier moved on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the format and could do something similar again.
13:03 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: Ex-selector questions Suryakumar's place
Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim believes Suryakumar Yadav's prolonged dip in form could cost him his place in India's long-term T20 plans.

With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2028, Karim feels the selection committee will be focused on building a fresh core rather than looking back.

"On current form, Suryakumar may not be a part of the selection committee's vision to take this team forward," Karim told PTI.
12:42 (IST) Jun 05
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise should now be rewarded with an India T20I cap, according to former India cricketer and national selector Devang Gandhi, who believes the 15-year-old has already shown qualities that could one day make him a nightmare for Test bowlers as well.

Fresh from a stunning IPL 2026 campaign with Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi is poised to become the youngest player in an India men's squad since Sachin Tendulkar's debut in 1989. The left-handed opener amassed 776 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 237.30 after earlier being named Player of the Tournament in India's triumphant U19 World Cup campaign.
12:25 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for Ireland Series: Strong bowling pool with one surprise inclusion
The longlist features several frontline bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh, although Bumrah could prioritise the ODI assignments keeping the 2027 World Cup in mind.

Among the spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey have all made the cut, though only two are expected to feature in the Asian Games squad, with the others likely to be part of the West Indies series.

One surprising inclusion is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led India to the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games despite enduring a lean run in recent months.

Longlist to IOA: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Ayush Badoni, , Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravi Bishnoi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube, Vipraj Nigam Nigam, Harshit Rana, Yash Thakur, Washington Sundar.
12:11 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi included, captaincy options emerge
Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been rewarded for his impressive rise with a place in the longlist, while Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma are expected to be the leading contenders for captaincy duties at the Asian Games.

Gill's absence is understandable as he is likely to lead India in the ODI leg of the West Indies series.

It is also understood that Suryakumar is no longer part of India's long-term plans for the 2028 Olympics and the next T20 World Cup, making his omission from the Asian Games list a predictable development.
11:55 (IST) Jun 05
India T20I Squad: Big names miss out from Asiad list as selectors prepare for split squads
India's current T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and Test and ODI skipper Shubman Gill are among the notable absentees from the 30-member list of men's probables submitted by the BCCI to the Indian Olympic Association for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

The board had already decided to prepare two separate squads as the Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, overlap with India's home white-ball series against the West Indies.

With the Caribbean side set to play three ODIs and five T20Is between September 27 and October 17, the selectors have opted to create a larger player pool to manage the workload and scheduling challenges.
11:35 (IST) Jun 05
Team India Squad Announcement: Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall under discussion
The selectors will also discuss whether veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar deserves a comeback after claiming 28 wickets in IPL 2026.

While the 36-year-old's experience and ability in English conditions make him an attractive option, the Ajit Agarkar-led panel is expected to weigh his long-term prospects with an eye on the 2028 Olympics and T20 World Cup.
11:34 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for England Series: Youngsters in line for opportunities
Tilak Varma is expected to be named vice-captain for the UK tour and could even lead India at the Asian Games in September-October.

Fifteen-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to receive his maiden senior call-up, while pacer Prince Yadav and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey are also in contention for places in the Asian Games squad.
11:33 (IST) Jun 05
India Squad for Ireland Series: Reward for consistent leadership
The 31-year-old Iyer is expected to be rewarded for his impressive captaincy record in the IPL, having guided three different franchises — Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings — to finals, winning one title.

Iyer is also likely to slot into the No. 4 position.

Suryakumar, despite leading India to the T20 World Cup title earlier this year, is set to lose both the captaincy and his place in the squad after a prolonged dip in form and concerns over a wrist injury.
11:33 (IST) Jun 05
India T20 Squad Announcement: Leadership change on the cards
Shreyas Iyer is set to formally replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20 captain when the national selectors meet in Mumbai on Saturday to pick squads for the white-ball tour of the UK and the Asian Games in Japan.

India will play two T20Is against Ireland in Belfast before taking on England in a five-match T20I series and three ODIs.
11:32 (IST) Jun 05
India T20I Squad: Selectors set to make major changes
Hello and welcome to the live updates of India's T20I squad announcement for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. Several changes are expected in the set-up as the selectors begin building a pool of players for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
India T20I Squad Announcement Highlights: Shreyas Iyer is the front-runner to replace Suryakumar Yadav as India's new T20 captain when the national selectors meet on Saturday to pick squads for the white-ball tour of the UK and the Asian Games in Japan. The move marks the start of a new cycle for India's shortest format side following their T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year.

Iyer, 31, is expected to return to the No. 4 spot and is being rewarded for his impressive leadership record in the IPL, having guided Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings to finals, winning one title. In contrast, Suryakumar is set to lose both the captaincy and his place in the squad after a prolonged dip in form and concerns over a wrist injury.

Young Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma is likely to be named vice-captain, while 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to earn his maiden senior India call-up. Fast bowler Prince Yadav and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey are also under consideration.

The selectors will announce separate squads for the UK tour and the Asian Games, where India are expected to field a strong side despite a scheduling clash with a home series against the West Indies.