Fresh off a triumphant Asia Cup 2025 victory where he led India to a thrilling win over Pakistan in Dubai, T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about a lingering ambition: leading the Men in Blue in the 50-over format . In a candid revelation that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Surya admitted, ‘ODI captaincy bhi mil sakti thi mujhe’—translating to ‘I could have gotten the ODI captaincy too.’
Suryakumar’s statement hints at a path not taken. He believes that a more consistent and dominant run of form in ODI cricket could have positioned him as the natural successor in the 50-over format. While his T20I exploits are the stuff of legend, his ODI journey has been a rollercoaster of brilliant cameos and frustrating dismissals. The 34-year-old maestro suggests that with a few more big scores in the format, the captain’s armband might have been his to claim .
“Everyone feels that fear,” Suryakumar recently confessed, alluding to the intense pressure and competition for leadership roles in Indian cricket . His comments reveal a deep-seated desire to prove his mettle across all formats, not just the shortest one where he is already a certified superstar.
However, the cricketing landscape has shifted. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially handed the ODI reins to the young and elegant Shubman Gill, who will lead the side in the upcoming three-match series against Australia . This move marks a definitive new era for India’s 50-over team, with Gill seen as the long-term leader for the next World Cup cycle .
| Format | Current Captain | Upcoming Series |
|---|---|---|
| ODI | Shubman Gill | vs Australia (Oct-Nov 2025) |
| T20I | Suryakumar Yadav | vs Australia (Oct 29 – Nov 2025) |
Despite the ODI door seemingly closing, Suryakumar Yadav is far from finished with his leadership aspirations. He is set to captain India in the high-stakes T20I series against Australia, which kicks off on October 29, 2025 . His record as T20I skipper is already impressive, with a win percentage that places him among the greats like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma .
Having just lifted the Asia Cup trophy, Surya’s confidence is sky-high. He has not ruled out a future opportunity in the ODI format, should circumstances change. His focus, for now, is on mastering the T20I game and proving that his captaincy is not just a flash in the pan but a sustainable and winning formula for India .
“I won’t lie… there’s always that thought,” he hinted, showing that the fire of ambition still burns brightly .
This dual-leadership model, with Gill in ODIs and Surya in T20Is, presents an exciting and strategic future for Indian cricket. It allows two of its most talented batters to grow into leadership roles in their strongest formats, building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup respectively. For fans, it’s a fascinating narrative of ambition, opportunity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
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