In a significant development for Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Shreyas Iyer as the new captain of the Indian T20 International (T20I) team. This decision comes ahead of India’s upcoming tours to England and Ireland, as well as their participation in the 2026 Asian Games. The announcement was made on Saturday, June 6, 2026, highlighting a strategic shift in leadership and the infusion of fresh talent into the squad.
**Shreyas Iyer’s Appointment as T20I Captain**
Shreyas Iyer’s elevation to the role of T20I captain marks a new chapter in his cricketing career. Known for his aggressive batting style and sharp cricketing acumen, Iyer has been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the national team. His leadership qualities have been evident in various domestic and international fixtures, making him a suitable candidate to lead the T20I side.
**Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Maiden Call-Up**
A notable inclusion in the squad is the young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At just 19 years old, Sooryavanshi has been making waves in domestic cricket with his impressive performances. His selection underscores the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities at the international level.
**Composition of India’s T20I Squads**
The BCCI has announced the following squads for the upcoming series:
**England Series:**
– Shreyas Iyer (c)
– Tilak Varma
– Ravi Bishnoi
– Abhishek Sharma
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Mohammed Siraj
– Sanju Samson
– Axar Patel
– Harshit Rana
– Ishan Kishan
– Washington Sundar
– Arshdeep Singh
– Shivam Dube
– Varun Chakaravarthy
– Prince Yadav
– Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
**Ireland Series:**
– Shreyas Iyer (c)
– Tilak Varma
– Ravi Bishnoi
– Abhishek Sharma
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Mohammed Siraj
– Sanju Samson
– Axar Patel
– Harshit Rana
– Ishan Kishan
– Washington Sundar
– Arshdeep Singh
– Shivam Dube
– Varun Chakaravarthy
– Prince Yadav
– Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
**Asian Games:**
– Shreyas Iyer (c)
– Tilak Varma
– Ravi Bishnoi
– Abhishek Sharma
– Nitish Kumar Reddy
– Jasprit Bumrah
– Sanju Samson
– Axar Patel
– Harshit Rana
– Ishan Kishan
– Washington Sundar
– Arshdeep Singh
– Shivam Dube
– Varun Chakaravarthy
– Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
**Absence of Suryakumar Yadav**
Notably, Suryakumar Yadav, who captained India during their victorious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, has not been included in the squads for the upcoming assignments. This decision indicates a strategic move by the selectors to provide leadership opportunities to other players and to manage player workloads effectively.
**Inclusion of Prince Yadav**
Another significant addition is that of Prince Yadav, who was recently named in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan series at home. Yadav has been included in India’s squad for both the Ireland and England tours, reflecting the selectors’ confidence in his abilities and potential.
**Jasprit Bumrah’s Participation in Asian Games**
Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who will be missing the Ireland and England series, is set to feature in the squad for the Asian Games. His inclusion is expected to bolster India’s bowling attack during the multi-sport event.
**Core of the Squad**
The core of the squad remains largely the same as the one that clinched the T20 World Cup title earlier this year. Players such as Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, and Arshdeep Singh have retained their places, ensuring continuity and stability within the team.
**Upcoming Series Schedule**
India’s upcoming series are as follows:
**Against Ireland:**
– June 26: 1st T20I, Belfast
– June 28: 2nd T20I, Belfast
**Against England:**
– July 1
