Former India cricketer and ex-selector Saba Karim believes the national selectors may soon have to make a difficult call on Suryakumar Yadav as they begin planning for the 2028 T20 World Cup. According to Karim, the India T20I captain’s prolonged struggle with the bat could make it challenging for him to remain part of the long-term vision despite his achievements as a leader. Suryakumar has been one of India’s most influential T20 players over the past few years, but his recent numbers have raised concerns.
While he produced a few notable performances, including half-centuries against New Zealand and a match-winning knock in India’s T20 World Cup opener against the USA, he has largely failed to maintain the consistency that once made him the world’s top-ranked T20I batter. His struggles continued during IPL 2026, where he managed just 270 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.54. Although he registered two half-centuries, the overall returns fell well below expectations for a player of his calibre.
“On current form, Suryakumar may not be a part of the selection committee’s vision to take this team forward.” Saba Karim pointed out that Indian cricket has already shown a willingness to move on from senior stars when required. “We have seen that in the past; the selection committee moved on 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.”
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The former selector also highlighted that Suryakumar’s inconsistent form during the T20 World Cup and IPL could force selectors to focus on younger options. “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.”
Saba Karim also weighed in on the race for India’s future T20 captaincy, backing Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar as a serious contender. Patidar has earned widespread praise after leading RCB to back-to-back IPL titles, showcasing calm leadership in a dressing room filled with international stars.
“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 very assured manner.”
Karim believes Patidar’s ability to manage a squad packed with experienced players demonstrates strong leadership credentials. At the same time, he identified Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan as other potential candidates for the role. “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.”
Interestingly, Saba Karim does not expect Hardik Pandya to feature prominently in the leadership discussion. He suggested that questions surrounding Hardik’s captaincy style and recent performances may work against him. Karim also reserved special praise for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has emerged as one of Indian cricket’s most exciting prospects. The former selector believes the 15-year-old has already done enough to enter national team conversations.
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“I am sure he will be part of the discussion. 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.”
With India beginning preparations for the next T20 World Cup cycle, Karim’s comments reflect the growing debate around leadership, squad transition, and the next generation of players who could shape the future of Indian cricket.
