Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has thrown his weight behind Suryakumar Yadav to continue as the T20I captain after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win. After taking over the reins in 2024, SKY has witnessed stellar success as skipper, although his form off late has been a point of concern for the team. Regardless, Kaif believes that age is no bar and that Surya should continue as the captain.
Should India persist with SKY as T20I captain?
In a video on his YouTube channel, Kaif pointed out that an experienced player like Suryakumar who has invested time in the IPL, has seen ups and downs should continue as captain and that it would the right decision. Under SKY’s captaincy, India lost just one match in the T20 World Cup 2026 – which came against South Africa in the Super 8 stage. Kaif said that Surya had made it clear that he wants to continue as captain by stating that his next aim is to win gold at the LA28 Olympics and the T20 WC that follows.
“But Surya has made it clear that, of course, he wants to continue captaincy and should continue doing it. I think someone who has been an experienced player, invested so many years in the IPL, spent a lot of time in this format, and seen all the ups and downs, is the one who should be captain. So I think if he wants to do it, it is the right decision. As long as you are playing well and in form, it makes sense,” said Kaif.
However, SKY’s form with the bat is concerning. In T20 WC 2026, he scored 242 runs in 9 matches at an average of 30.25. However, Kaif feels that Yadav needs to perform in such a manner where no one will question whether he should remain as captain. Last year, reports had claimed that Shubman Gill will become India’s all-format captain after the T20 WC. However, he was dropped from the T20I squad owing to poor form.
“Whenever we talk about the future, he (Suryakumar) will need to make sure he performs in a way that no one can question. He will stay fit, take good catches, lead well, build a strong team, and keep his batting form going. Although if we look at his recent form, he hasn’t scored big in every match. I think as long as he keeps his batting sharp, maintains fitness, moves well, stays alert, and makes good decisions, no one will be able to stop him. In my view, age doesn’t really matter. Even at 40, as long as you are running, making calls, staying fit, and moving forward, you can keep performing,” Kaif further said.
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