BCCI announces India T20I squad for Ireland and England tours, Shreyas Iyer named captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled India's squad for the upcoming T20I tours of Ireland and England, signaling the dawn of a new era in the team's white-ball journey. While the core of India's T20 World Cup-winning squad remains largely intact, the latest selection introduces a new captain, several fresh faces, and the omission of a few established stars.

Shreyas Iyer replaces Suryakumar Yadav as captain

Perhaps the most significant alteration is at the helm. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as India's new T20I captain, taking over from Suryakumar Yadav, who led the team following their 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. This move marks the commencement of a fresh leadership cycle as India begins preparations for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Additionally, Tilak Varma has been elevated to the role of vice-captain, underscoring the management's confidence in the young left-hander as a future leader.

Six new faces, six major exits

Compared to the T20 World Cup squad, India have made six significant changes. Players who featured in the World Cup setup but are absent from the Ireland and England tour squad include Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Rinku Singh. While Bumrah and Hardik have been rested with long-term fitness goals in mind, the incoming players are Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi headlines the new-look squad

No selection has generated more excitement than that of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter has completed one of the most remarkable rises in Indian cricket history. After dominating the Under-19 World Cup and producing a sensational IPL 2026 season, Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden senior India call-up. The left-handed prodigy scored 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30 during IPL 2026 and is now on the verge of becoming the youngest player ever to represent India's men's team.