Former Indian batsman Muhammad Kaif Shreyas Iyer has been strongly backed as the best candidate to take over India’s T20I captaincy if the team management decides to move on from Surya Kumar Yadav.India are likely to give Shreyas the T20I captaincy ahead of the upcoming series in Ireland and England. Although no formal announcement has been made, Kaif believes the Punjab Kings captain is the leading candidate for the role.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Keef highlighted Iyer’s leadership credentials, pointing to his successful association with the head coach. Gautam Gambhir During Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign to win the IPL 2024 title. He also cited Iyer’s ability to guide multiple franchises in the tournament.“Gautham has worked with Shreyas before and won trophies for KKR. Shreyas led Delhi and Punjab to the finals. In terms of experience, Shreyas has led in the IPL, won trophies and understands Gautam’s style.”Keef suggested that Iyer stood comfortably above the other contenders because of his proven record as both a captain and a batsman.“In terms of this mutual understanding, Shreyas seems to be at the forefront. He is miles ahead of the other contenders. He has scored runs even as captain. You will find very few players who are captain and also score. There is no better option than him,” he said.Iyer’s stock has risen significantly in the last two IPL seasons. After playing a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign, he followed it up by taking Punjab Kings to the final of IPL 2025, contributing heavily with the bat.Keef admitted that replacing a captain who has already won a World Cup title could be a controversial move. However, he felt that if the selectors had already decided to go in another direction, Iyer’s appointment would be a logical step.“When you are removing a World Cup-winning captain, there can be no greater chaos than that,” he said.Supporting Iyer, Kaif also secured special accolades. Jasprit BumrahHe said if fitness and availability were not a concern, fast bowlers would be his first choice.“Jasprit Bumrah deserves it if you see him. He has been in Surya’s team, he has played and delivered. If he is ready to captain, he should be above all other names. He also captained MI, and they won that match. He also made a statement, which shows that he wants to captain. I don’t know if he should be close, but he should have no part in it. For him, because he Have been in the team and performed well in different situations,” he said.Kaif also weighed in on other names that have been mooted in leadership talks. According to him, the administration seems to have moved on. Hardik Pandya And Shabman Gul In the T20I captaincy race.“He has overtaken Pandya. At one point, I myself asked why he is not being made captain. Gill will not come back, as he tried and couldn’t score, so he has overtaken him too. I am now saying myself that Hardik should not be the captain of the franchise. Maybe he can be a better captain outside MI, maybe,” he said if he wants Mohammad to captain MI.With speculation continuing over India’s next T20I captain, Kaif’s decision was unclear: among the options available, Shreyas Iyer is the strongest candidate to lead the team in its next phase.
