Gautam Gambhir backs Suryakumar Yadav amid form concerns, seeks contract extension: reports

India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign earlier this year featured Suryakumar Yadav, but his recent performances have sparked concern within the team management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

According to reports, there is growing uncertainty over whether he should lead India in the next T20 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England are likely to play a key role in shaping decisions about his future.

These matches are expected to be crucial in determining his place in India’s long-term plans for the next international cycle. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, head coach Gautam Gambhir is believed to remain supportive of Suryakumar’s leadership and is also reportedly seeking an extension of his coaching tenure until the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia. At present, Gambhir’s contract runs until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 35-year-old batter scored 242 runs during the tournament, with his best performance being an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls against the USA in the opening match. However, he struggled to maintain that form in the matches that followed and failed to deliver consistently.

His lean run has continued into the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League. Representing the Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar has managed only 106 runs in four matches so far, with his highest score being 51 against the Delhi Capitals.