Saba Karim, a former selector and cricketer for India, stated on Thursday that Suryakumar Yadav’s prolonged lackluster batting record does not justify his inclusion in the team because selectors will now be concentrating on the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Despite hitting a few half-centuries against New Zealand at the beginning of the season and playing a game-winning innings in the T20 World Cup opener against the USA, the 35-year-old Suryakumar has been unable to maintain his batting form. With just 270 runs at a strike rate of 147.54 and two fifties in 13 games, the current Indian T20I captain was unable to score even in the IPL.
“On current form, Suryakumar may not be a part of the selection committee’s vision to take this team forward. We have seen that in the past; the selection committee moved from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and they picked a new side. So, one can see that happening even now for the T20 World Cup that will take place in 2028,” PTI quoted Karim as saying.
“Even in the World Cup, Suryakumar’s form was very indifferent and that has continued in the IPL. I think the selectors have to look ahead (now),” Karim added.
Rajat Patidar, who has guided a star-studded Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two straight titles, is one of the contenders to head India, according to Karim. Patidar, 33, has not yet made his T20I debut.
“I would like to add Rajat Patidar’s name as a contender for captaincy. Winning back-to-back IPL titles is a very tough assignment and he has done that in a very calm and a very assured manner,” Karim said.
“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 which has so many legends and a mix of experience is a very difficult assignment and he has accomplished that.”
However, Karim also has other options for the leadership position, like as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer.
“I think Shreyas Iyer would be one of those candidates. I have Sanju Samson, (and) in fact, Ishan Kishan (too). I think there will be two or three strong contenders to take over the captaincy.”
According to Karim, he doesn’t believe the selectors would consider Hardik Pandya.
“I think the selectors have raised question marks about Hardik Pandya’s leadership skills. Last season, although Mumbai Indians did qualify for the playoffs, there were some question marks raised about his style of leadership. (Even) on current form, I don’t think he would justify his position as the captain of the Indian side,” he said.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, has done enough, according to Karim, to be called up for India.
“I’m sure he will be part of the discussion. The selectors will watch him in the tri-nation (A) series that is taking place in Sri Lanka. If he does well there, I’m sure he’ll get a look in. 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. Now, what number you slot him in, that’s a different ballgame altogether,” Karim added.
