India's T20 Format Captain: 5 Potential Players After Surya

5 Potential Players For The Role Of India’s T20 Format Captain: The Indian team is at an important transition phase in T20 internationals. With Shubman Gill being axed from the T20 World Cup squad, the future leadership of the side has become one of the major talking points.

He was earlier seen as the long-term option after Suryakumar Yadav, but inconsistent performances forced the selectors to change their plans.

Additionally, his recent form has brought Suryakumar Yadav, the current T20 captain, under scrutiny. His age of 35 doesn’t leave much room for error, and the team management is expected to groom the next India’s T20 Format Captain sooner rather than later.

Five Players Who Can Take Over The Role of India’s T20 Format Captain

1. Hardik Pandya – The Proven Leader

Hardik Pandya remains one of the strongest contenders for India’s T20 Format Captain. A natural leader, Pandya has charisma, confidence, and match-winning ability.

Former India T20I captain before Suryakumar Yadav
Led India to 10 wins in 16 T20Is
Captain of the IPL-winning Gujarat Titans

If the internal team dynamics and dressing room issues are maintained well, then Pandya can surely get back to captaincy and provide stability in the long run.

2. Sanju Samson – The Experienced Campaigner

While Sanju Samson’s international place is not a dead certificate, his leadership credentials cannot be overlooked.

Captain of Rajasthan Royals in 67 IPL matches
Guided RR through some of their most consistent IPL seasons.
Composed and strategic behind the wickets.

If Samson continues to be a regular feature in India’s T20 setup, he can emerge as a good option to be tried as the T20 Format Captain of India, particularly during transition phases.

3. Axar Patel – The All Round Rising Leader

Axar Patel has quietly built a strong case for leadership through performance and consistency.

Key contributor in the 2024 T20 World Cup
Vice-captain post Gill’s exclusion
The former Delhi Capitals captain in the IPL.

At 31, Axar is coming into his prime. Strong performances in upcoming bilateral series could make him a serious contender to lead India at the 2028 and 2030 T20 World Cups.

4. Abhishek Sharma – The long-term Investment

Abhishek Sharma is the future of Indian T20 cricket. Explosive opening batsman, he gets on with things in a jiffy, pretty high strike-rate batsman.

Domestic cricket leadership experience
A player who can be the future captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Abhishek, though young, could be groomed as the vice-captain after the World Cup. His fearlessness in approach and match impact are right for consideration as long-term candidate captain of India’s T20 Format.

5. Jasprit Bumrah – The Tactical Mastermind

Jasprit Bumrah brings a different kind of leadership value into the scene.

Senior-most player across formats
Known for his calm decision-making when under pressure.

Commands respect in the dressing room He also points out that while fast bowlers are rarely ever long-term T20 captains, Bumrah could be a short-term or situational captain in high-pressure tournaments.

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