Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim on Thursday stated that Suryakumar Yadav's prolonged ordinary form with the bat does not warrant him a place in the Indian T20I side. With the selectors now focusing on the 2028 T20 World Cup, Karim believes it is time to look ahead.
Suryakumar's Struggles with the Bat
The 35-year-old Suryakumar Yadav has failed to sustain his form despite a few half-centuries against New Zealand earlier this year and a match-winning knock in the T20 World Cup opener against the USA. However, his inconsistency continued in the IPL 2024, where he managed only 270 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 147.54, including two fifties. Karim pointed out that even during the World Cup, Suryakumar's form was indifferent, and this has carried into the IPL.
"On current form, Suryakumar may not be a part of the selection committee's vision to take this team forward," Karim told PTI in an exclusive interaction. "We have seen that in the past, the selection committee moved on from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and picked a new side. So, one can see that happening even now for the T20 World Cup that will take place in 2028."
Potential Captaincy Candidates
Karim suggested that Rajat Patidar, who has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two consecutive IPL titles, is among the candidates to lead India. The 33-year-old Patidar is yet to make his T20I debut. "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 assured manner," Karim said. "He has had to lead a team of individuals and foreign players who have been star players for their national sides. To lead such a team which has so many legends and a mix of experience is a very difficult assignment and he has accomplished that."
Karim also named Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan as other contenders for the captaincy 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," he added.
Hardik Pandya Not in Contention
Karim does not believe Hardik Pandya will be considered for captaincy. "I think the selectors have raised question marks about Hardik Pandya's leadership skills. Last season, although Mumbai Indians did qualify for the playoffs, there were some question marks raised about his style of leadership," Karim said. "(Even) on current form, I don't think he would justify his position as the captain of the Indian side."
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Deserves Call-Up
Karim also praised 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying he has done enough to earn an India call-up. "I am sure he will be part of the discussion. The selectors will watch him in the tri-nation (A) series that is taking place in Sri Lanka. If he does well there, I'm sure he'll get a look in," he said. "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. Now, what number you slot him in, that's a different ballgame altogether."
