Suryakumar Yadav reacts to new look Indian team and Sooryavanshi call-up
Suryakumar Yadav welcomed India's new-look T20I squad for the England and Ireland tour and congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his maiden call-up. His message underlined the transition taking shape in India's T20 set-up and the attention on its next generation.
Suryakumar Yadav wishes new Indian T20I side and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi well for future (Photo PTI)
Former T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has reacted to India’s newly announced T20I squad for the upcoming UK tour against England and Ireland, extending his support to the new-look side while also acknowledging teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s maiden call-up.
India T20I squad announcement: As it happened
The senior batter took to social media to congratulate the squad as India begin a fresh chapter under new leadership. The response comes immediately after he was dropped from the T20I squad altogether as selectors look to reshape the team for the next ICC cycle, whilst introducing several young names into the setup alongside established performers.
“Wishing this highly skilled group all the best for challenges ahead,” Suryakumar Yadav posted on Instagram, offering his best wishes to the squad as they prepare for a demanding tour of England and Ireland.
Three months after leading India to a successful defense of the T20 World Cup title, Suryakumar Yadav has lost both the captaincy and his place in the T20I squad. His IPL 2026 campaign also failed to produce the numbers expected of one of the format's premier batters. Playing for Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar managed 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54.
This decision by the selectors was based on a combination of Suryakumar's recent form and the need to build a team for the future. In his place, Shreyas Iyer will lead the new-look Indian side dor the UK tour and the Asian Games.
PRAISES FOR SOORYAVANSHI
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's rapid rise over the past year has earned him a place in the national squad at just 15. The teenage opener lit up IPL 2026, smashing records on his way to a remarkable season. He finished with 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.31, including a tournament-record 72 sixes, to claim the Orange Cap, Emerging Player award and MVP honours.
This led to the former captain to praise the rise of the young sensation. “You have earned it and how. Super excited to follow the young journey,” he added, specifically highlighting the rise of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
At 15, Vaibhav could become the youngest-ever player to debut for the Indian national team, beating legendary Sachin Tendulkar's record. Sachin played his first game for India at the age of 16 years and 207 days, a record that Vaibhav could comfortably beat later this year.
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