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IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer ahead of Dhoni, Rohit, Gambhir in IPL captaincy list: Check staggering numbers
TL;DR
Shreyas Iyer is emerging as a strong candidate for India's next T20I captain, surpassing Dhoni, Rohit, and Gambhir in IPL captaincy discussions. Concerns about Suryakumar Yadav's performance have intensified following a lackluster IPL 2026 season.
Key points
- Shreyas Iyer is a potential candidate for T20I captain.
- Suryakumar Yadav's performance has raised concerns.
- Iyer's captaincy numbers are impressive compared to others.
- The 2028 World Cup is a factor in captaincy discussions.
Mentioned in this story
Shreyas IyerSuryakumar YadavMS DhoniRohit SharmaGautam Gambhir
Shreyas Iyer’s name is increasingly doing the rounds as India’s potential next T20I captain, and not without reason.
With questions beginning to emerge around incumbent skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s long-term place in the format following another inconsistent IPL season, the conversation around India’s next leadership cycle has quietly gathered pace over the past few weeks.
Suryakumar remains India’s World Cup-winning captain, but his struggles with the bat in IPL 2026 have once again amplified concerns around form, age and continuity heading into the next T20 cycle that culminates with the 2028 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics.
And while perception and momentum seem to currently favour Iyer, the numbers are also increasingly beginning to back the Mumbaikar.
Among IPL captains with a minimum of 50 matches, Iyer currently owns the joint-best win/loss ratio in tournament history at 1.420, level with Sachin Tendulkar (51 matches) and ahead of some of the biggest captaincy names the league has seen like Ms Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and even the current India coach Gauam Gambhir.
Players with a minimum of 50 matches as IPL captain, sorted by best W/L ratio:
| Player | Mat | Won | Lost | W/L |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 51 | 30 | 21 |
Q&A
Why is Shreyas Iyer being considered for T20I captaincy?
Shreyas Iyer is being considered for T20I captaincy due to his impressive performance and the growing doubts about Suryakumar Yadav's consistency as captain.
What are Suryakumar Yadav's struggles in IPL 2026?
Suryakumar Yadav has faced challenges with his batting form during IPL 2026, raising questions about his long-term role as captain.
How does Shreyas Iyer's captaincy compare to other IPL leaders?
Shreyas Iyer's captaincy numbers are reportedly better than those of notable leaders like Dhoni, Rohit, and Gambhir, enhancing his candidacy.
What impact could the 2028 World Cup have on India's captaincy decisions?
The upcoming 2028 World Cup and the Los Angeles Olympics are influencing discussions about India's leadership transition in T20 cricket.