Former Indian cricketer and selector Saba Karim He believes that India’s T20 set-up could undergo another major overhaul with the current captain ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup. Surya Kumar Yadav Among the players whose place in the team may come under scrutiny.Surya Kumar has struggled to replicate the consistency that once made him one of the most feared T20 batsmen in the world. While he scored a couple of half-centuries against New Zealand earlier this year and produced a crucial innings in India’s T20 World Cup opener against the US, his overall returns fell short of expectations.The 35-year-old’s struggles continued during IPL 2026, where he scored 270 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.54, registering just two fifties.Karim believes that this performance could affect the long-term plans of the selectors as they begin to build the squad for the next T20 World Cup.“On current form, Surya Kumar cannot be 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 walked away from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and picked a new team. So, one can see the same happening for the T20 World Cup in 2028.”Karim noted that Surya Kumar’s struggles have extended beyond the IPL and believes it is time for the selectors to focus on the future.“Even in the World Cup, Surya Kumar’s form has been very indifferent and that continues in the IPL. I think the selectors have to look ahead,” Karim added.While discussing possible leadership options for India’s T20 team, Karim left his support behind. Rajat Patidarwho recently guided Royal Challengers Bangalore to their second consecutive 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 the captaincy. Winning back-to-back IPL titles is a very difficult task and he has done it very calmly and very assuredly,” Karim said.“He has had to lead a team of individuals and foreign players who have been star players in their national teams. Leading a team that has a combination of so many legends and experience is a very tough task and he has nailed it.Karim also identified several other players who could enter the captaincy conversation in the coming years.“I think so. Shreyas Iyer One of these candidates will be I have Sanju Samson, (and) actually Ishaan Kishan (also). I think there will be two or three strong contenders to take over the captaincy,” he said.However, Kareem doesn’t expect that. Hardik Pandya Joining the frontrunners.“I think the selectors have raised questions about Hardik Pandya’s leadership skills. Last season, though Mumbai Indians qualified for the playoffs, there were some question marks over his leadership style.”“(Even) on current form, I don’t think he will justify his position as captain of the Indian team.”Kareem also spoke about teenage sensation Vibhu Suryavanshi, saying the 15-year-old has already done a lot to make himself a strong contender for national selection.The former selector expects the young player’s performance in the ongoing India A tri-series in Sri Lanka to be closely monitored before taking a final decision.“I am sure they will be part of the discussion,” he said. The selectors will watch him in the tri-nation (A) series which is being held in Sri Lanka. If they do well there, I am sure they will join.Karim added, “I strongly feel that such a talent needs to be selected as soon as possible as he has done enough to warrant a place in the squad.
