Former chief selector MSK Prasad has expressed his surprise over Suryakumar Yadav's exclusion from India's T20I squad, suggesting that the World Cup-winning captain has been rested rather than dropped. Prasad drew parallels with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, who were also given a break after the demanding IPL 2026 campaign.
Prasad backs resting key players
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors replaced Suryakumar with Shreyas Iyer as captain for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games. Suryakumar's removal from both captaincy and the squad has raised eyebrows, but Prasad believes it is a strategic rest.
"You don't drop your World Cup winning captain like that, especially in the very next international match. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have been rested, and I am sure Surya has also been rested," Prasad told PTI. "He is too good and too big a player to be dropped."
Prasad emphasized that all three players have been top-ranked in ICC rankings for a long time, with Bumrah still holding the number one spot. He sees no harm in giving them a break after the taxing IPL season, where Mumbai Indians had a grueling campaign.
Support for Rajat Patidar
Prasad also voiced his surprise at the omission of Rajat Patidar, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second IPL title. "I am really surprised. When will you take him if not now? He has done so well as a player and has been a match winner. He has led RCB to two consecutive IPL titles," Prasad said.
He added that Patidar is in tremendous form and high on confidence, making this an opportune time to give him a chance. Prasad speculated that the selectors might have bigger plans for Patidar in tougher series or tournaments.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's selection
On the selection of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the youngest Indian ever to be picked for the senior team, Prasad expressed excitement. "I am so thrilled and excited for him. He is a super extraordinary talent. The selectors have recognized that and given him an opportunity," he said.
Shivam Dube's inclusion questioned
Prasad was surprised to see all-rounder Shivam Dube in the squad, suggesting that he should have been given a break and Patidar should have played instead. "Dube hasn't done anything great in IPL this season and, like other seniors, has been playing continuous T20 cricket. He also needed a well-deserved break," Prasad observed.
