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India’s squad announcement for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England has continued to generate debate across the cricketing world. The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, made several bold decisions, including replacing Suryakumar Yadav as captain with Shreyas Iyer and leaving the former skipper out of the squad altogether.
While the selectors have already explained that the changes are part of India’s planning for the next T20 World Cup cycle, former India selector MSK Prasad has offered a contrasting viewpoint. Prasad believes Suryakumar remains very much in India’s plans and suggested that the star batter has effectively been rested rather than dropped.
MSK Prasad makes surprising claim on Suryakumar Yadav’s omission
Suryakumar’s exclusion came after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign with Mumbai Indians (MI), where he managed only 270 runs in 13 matches. His struggles in T20I cricket over the past year, combined with fitness concerns, reportedly influenced the selectors’ decision to move in a different direction.
However, Prasad admitted that he found it difficult to understand why a World Cup-winning captain would be removed from both the leadership role and the squad immediately after lifting the trophy. According to the former chief selector, India’s management may have simply chosen to give Suryakumar a break alongside other senior players such as Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
“You don’t drop your World Cup-winning captain like that and that too in the next international match itself. Jasprit Bumrah is rested and so is Hardik Pandya. I am sure, Surya has also been rested. He is too good and too big a player to be dropped. The selectors have rested all three. It’s interesting to see all three, Suryakumar, Hardik and Bumrah, have been No. 1 players in the ICC rankings for a very long time. Bumrah is still No. 1. So, no harm in giving all three rest. I am sure all of them will come back to the team sooner than later,” Prasad told PTI.
Also READ: Sanjay Manjrekar questions India’s T20I captaincy call after Shreyas Iyer replaces Suryakumar Yadav
Former selector questions Rajat Patidar’s omission
Apart from Suryakumar’s absence, Prasad was equally surprised when Rajat Patidar was not included in the T20I squad. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain enjoyed another outstanding IPL season, leading his side to a second consecutive title while contributing heavily with the bat.
Patidar scored 501 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.75 and an impressive strike rate of 192.69. Despite those numbers, the middle-order batter failed to secure a maiden T20I call-up. Prasad felt the timing was ideal for India to reward Patidar’s performances and leadership credentials.
“I am really surprised. When will you take him if not now? He has done so well as a player and has been a match-winner. He has led RCB to two consecutive IPL titles. He is in tremendous form and is high on confidence. This was an opportune time to give him a chance. But I am sure selectors have some ideas for him. He may be given a chance in a bigger and tougher series or tournament,” Prasad said.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
