Suryakumar Yadav's T20 place under scrutiny, Rajat Patidar eyed for captaincy: Saba Karim

Suryakumar Yadav (ANI Photo)

Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim believes India's T20 setup could undergo another major transition ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup, with incumbent captain Suryakumar Yadav among the players whose place in the side could come under scrutiny.

Suryakumar has struggled to replicate the consistency that once made him one of the world's most feared T20 batters. While he produced a few half-centuries against New Zealand earlier this year and delivered a crucial innings in India's T20 World Cup opener against the USA, his overall returns have remained below expectations.

The 35-year-old's difficulties continued during IPL 2026, where he managed 270 runs from 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.54, registering only two half-centuries.

Karim feels those performances may influence the selectors' long-term plans as they begin building a squad for the next T20 World Cup.

“On current form, Suryakumar may not be a part of the selection committee's vision to take this team forward,” Karim told PTI. “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.”

Karim noted that Suryakumar's struggles have extended beyond the IPL and believes the time has come for selectors to focus on the future.

"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.

While discussing potential leadership options for India's T20 side, Karim threw his support behind Rajat Patidar, who recently guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second successive IPL title. Despite not having played a T20I for India yet, Karim feels Patidar's leadership credentials deserve serious consideration.

"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.”

Karim also identified several other players who could enter the captaincy conversation in the coming years.

“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,” he said.

However, Karim does not expect Hardik Pandya to be among the frontrunners.

"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.

Karim also spoke highly of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the 15-year-old has already done enough to put himself firmly in contention for national selection.

The former selector expects the youngster's performances in the ongoing India A tri-series in Sri Lanka to be closely monitored before any final decision is made.

"I am 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,” he said.

“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.