Not Hardik Or Shreyas! Report Reveals Sanju Samson Is BCCI’s Preferred Choice For India T20I Captaincy

The Indian T20I leadership group could be in for a shake-up very soon as Sanju Samson has been reported to be the front-runner to succeed Suryakumar Yadav as the next captain of the side. The current skipper of the T20I side Suryakumar has witnessed a significant dip in his performance levels both on the international and IPL 2026 fronts.

It is understood that the national selectors have been keeping a keen eye on the IPL performances before naming squads for India’s forthcoming trips to Ireland and England. Samson has been one of the most consistent performers in both the formats for India in recent times and this consistency has placed him ahead in the race for the captaincy.

Samson was the leading run-scorer for India during their victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign where he managed to score 321 runs throughout the tournament and the keeper-batsman has carried on the momentum to the IPL 2026 edition where he is currently representing Chennai Super Kings. Samson has scored 402 runs from 10 games including two centuries and has been one of the most reliable performers for CSK this season.

Samson’s Consistency Praised by Selectors

According to a report from Dainik Jagran, It is believed that the selection committee is looking at Samson seriously because of his consistency under pressure as well as the calmness he brings to the leadership role and even if Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the side for now, Samson is still likely to be appointed vice-captain for the England and Ireland tours.

Suryakumar has been off the boil with his bat in recent times and his form in IPL 2026 for Mumbai Indians who have been struggling to maintain their usual standards and form in the tournament has been met with severe criticism.

It is understood that the BCCI is also looking to invest in the future with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup and wants to establish a stable leadership group across formats by backing those who have been consistently performing for a long duration.

Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya Also in the Mix

The report has further added that Shreyas Iyer is still very much in the leadership race and the Punjab Kings skipper has had a very good season so far guiding his side to the play-offs position. However selectors are understood to be thinking that his absence from the Indian T20I team in recent times might defer his immediate return to captaincy.

Hardik Pandya is another candidate being considered for a leadership role in the future. The all-rounder has captained India and also IPL teams in the past and is understood to have put himself in the contention after overcoming the injury concerns that plagued him during the previous year's IPL and ODI World Cup.