Goa, June 6 -- Just three months after guiding India to a successful defence of the T20 World Cup title, Suryakumar Yadav has been removed as captain and left out of the T20I squad altogether. The decision, announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar during the squad unveiling for the Ireland and England tours, marks a significant shift in India's plans for the shortest format.

While Suryakumar's captaincy delivered the ultimate prize, India's selectors have opted to begin a new cycle with Shreyas Iyer at the helm. According to Agarkar, the move was influenced by both Suryakumar's recent form and the team's long-term plans leading up to the next T20 World Cup.

Speaking at the press conference, Agarkar acknowledged that it was a difficult c...