Former chief selector MSK Prasad is perplexed by Suryakumar Yadav’s omission from India’s T20I squad, believing that the World Cup-winning captain has been rested similarly to Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
Shreyas Iyer was chosen by the national selectors on Saturday to replace Suryakumar as India’s captain for three forthcoming Twenty20 International assignments: a tour to Ireland and England in June and July, as well as the Asian Games in September and October. Suryakumar’s career looks to be in the doldrums as he lost both his captaincy and his spot on the squad.
“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,” PTI quoted Prasad as saying.
After the Mumbai Indians’ exhausting IPL 2026 campaign, Prasad thought it was a good idea to give some of the front-line players, such Suryakumar, Bumrah, and Pandya, a break. Bumrah and Pandya are not traveling with the Indian team to England and Ireland.
“The selectors have rested all three. It’s interesting to see all three – Suryakumar, Hardik and Bumrah have been No. 1 players in ICC ranking 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,” he remarked.
Rajat Patidar, who just guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second IPL win, should have been included in the team, according to Prasad.
“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,” he said.
Prasad commented on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection for the senior team at the age of 15, making him the youngest Indian ever: “I am so thrilled and excited for him. He is a super extraordinary talent. Selectors have recognised that and given him an opportunity. “I am sure he will be seen playing and everyone wants to see him bat and play at the highest level.”
The inclusion of all-rounder Shivam Dube in the team surprised the former India wicketkeeper-batsman. “I thought, Dube should have been given a break and Patidar should have played in his place. Dube hasn’t done anything great in IPL this season and he, like other seniors, also has been playing continuous T20 cricket. He also needed a well-deserved break,” Prasad observed.
