In a sensational announcement that has set the cricket world abuzz, Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain of a youthful and dynamic 15-member Team India squad for the upcoming back-to-back T20 series against South Africa and New Zealand! The BCCI’s bold call hands the 360-degree superstar the reins for two high-octane challenges — a move that signals a new aggressive era in India’s shortest-format plans.
The squad, unveiled late last night, features a mix of explosive young guns, experienced campaigners, and a few surprise inclusions. Surya, who has thrilled fans worldwide with his audacious strokeplay, will lead the team for the first time in consecutive overseas series, cementing his rise as a potential long-term T20 captaincy option.
Here’s India’s full 15-member squad for the Africa and New Zealand T20 series:
✅ Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) – The world’s No. 1 T20I batter will look to imprint his fearless style on India’s T20 game plan.
✅ Shubman Gill – Back in the T20 mix as opener, expected to set the tone with aggressive starts.
✅ Yashasvi Jaiswal – Another swashbuckling left-hander who can dismantle attacks in the powerplay.
✅ Ruturaj Gaikwad – In sparkling form in the IPL, Gaikwad provides depth and flexibility at the top.
✅ Rinku Singh – The finisher sensation gets a longer rope after consistent performances.
✅ Tilak Varma – The young left-hander continues to impress and earns another chance in the middle order.
✅ Sanju Samson (WK) – Back as the wicketkeeper-batter, bringing power-hitting and experience.
✅ Jitesh Sharma (WK) – Picked as backup keeper with an eye on the T20 World Cup plans.
✅ Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain) – Returns from injury layoff; crucial as the seam-bowling all-rounder.
✅ Ravindra Jadeja – The seasoned campaigner brings balance with bat, ball, and fielding brilliance.
✅ Washington Sundar – Provides off-spin and handy lower-order runs, especially on slower surfaces.
✅ Axar Patel – Another spin-bowling all-rounder, offering left-arm variation and middle-overs control.
✅ Arshdeep Singh – Key left-arm pacer for the death overs.
✅ Mukesh Kumar – The promising right-arm quick adds pace and aggression.
✅ Umran Malik – India’s fastest bowler rounds out the squad, expected to unsettle batters with sheer speed.
Speaking on Surya’s appointment, a senior BCCI official said, “Suryakumar Yadav embodies the fearless brand of T20 cricket we want India to play. His energy and aggressive approach will set the tone against two top teams.”
Fans celebrated the announcement with hashtags like #SuryaCaptain and #IndiaSquad2025 trending within minutes, while cricket pundits lauded the selectors for building a squad focused on youth and attacking cricket.
With India set to face South Africa and New Zealand in back-to-back blockbuster series, the pressure will be on Surya and his exciting squad to deliver — and the countdown to fireworks has officially begun!