Shreyas Iyer Named India’s New T20I Captain; Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns Maiden Call-Up for England, Ireland and Asian Games Assignments

The announcement marks a significant transition in India’s T20 setup, with Iyer taking over leadership duties for the tours of Ireland and England before leading the team at the Asian Games. One of the biggest highlights of the squad announcement is the inclusion of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has received his maiden call-up to the senior India squad.

The squad selected for the England and Ireland series remains identical. Alongside captain Shreyas Iyer, the squad features Tilak Varma as vice-captain, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, Prince Yadav and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

For the Asian Games campaign, India have largely retained the same core group. However, premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah returns to the squad after being rested for the Ireland and England assignments. The Asian Games squad comprises Shreyas Iyer as captain, Tilak Varma, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Ishan Kishan, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

A notable omission from all three squads is Suryakumar Yadav, who led India during their successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year. Despite captaining the side to global success, he has not been included in the squads for the upcoming assignments.

Tilak Varma has been appointed as Iyer’s deputy, underscoring the team management’s confidence in the young batter’s leadership potential. Another player attracting attention is Prince Yadav, who was recently named in India’s ODI squad for the home series against Afghanistan. The fast bowler has now secured places in both the England and Ireland T20I squads.

The selected squads retain the core group that featured prominently during India’s T20 World Cup triumph. Players including Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh have all retained their places, providing continuity ahead of a busy international calendar.

India are currently engaged in a one-off Test match against Afghanistan, which will be followed by a three-match ODI series on home soil.

India’s T20I campaign begins with a two-match series against Ireland in Belfast. The first match will be played on June 26, followed by the second T20I on June 28.

The team will then travel to England for a five-match T20I series. The opening match is scheduled for July 1 in Chester-le-Street, followed by the second T20I in Manchester on July 4. The third match will be played in Nottingham on July 7, the fourth in Bristol on July 9, and the fifth and final T20I in Southampton on July 11.

The squad announcement signals the beginning of a new leadership era in India’s T20 setup under Shreyas Iyer while also showcasing the emergence of new talent through Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s maiden selection. With major assignments in Ireland, England and the Asian Games ahead, the selected squad will play a crucial role in shaping India’s preparations for future international tournaments.