India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav has sparked celebrations across the cricketing world, but conversations about the team’s long-term leadership have also quietly begun. At 35 years of age, Suryakumar currently stands at a stage in his career where discussions about the future naturally arise. While the dynamic batter continues to perform and guide the team effectively, Indian cricket may soon need to prepare for the next captain in the shortest format.

Suryakumar’s aggressive mindset and innovative batting style have defined India’s T20 approach in recent years. Under his leadership, the team recently lifted the T20 World Cup trophy, showcasing fearless cricket and strong team cohesion. His tactical awareness, calmness under pressure, and trust in his players have played a key role in India’s success on the global stage.

However, with the veteran batter approaching the twilight of his career, many former cricketers believe it is wise for India to identify potential successors early. Leadership transitions in modern cricket often require careful planning, especially in a format as demanding as T20 cricket where decision-making must be quick and precise.

Mohammad Kaif names India’s next T20I skipper

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could be a strong candidate to take over the captaincy whenever Suryakumar decides to step down. Kaif highlighted Samson’s leadership experience and maturity as key qualities that could make him a suitable option for the role.

Kaif explained that leadership in cricket goes beyond tactics and requires a deep understanding of players and situations. According to him, a captain should be someone who has experienced different phases of the game and understands the challenges faced by teammates. He emphasized the importance of supporting players during difficult periods, pointing to examples where struggling players need the backing of their captain.

“Tough to say right now as to who would become the next captain, but Samson could well be the one. I mean, why not? A Captain must be someone who has seen the world. Implementing bowling changes, playing the perfect XI, and backing players out of form, as with Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy. A captain would know that these things happen. They themselves have gone through this. They understand these little things,” Kaif told Ravish Bisht in a video.

Kaif noted that Samson fits that profile well as the former Rajasthan Royals skipper has already led an IPL franchise and understands how to manage a squad under pressure. His leadership journey in the league, including guiding Rajasthan to the final in 2022, demonstrates his ability to lead in high-stakes tournaments.

At the same time, Kaif made it clear that Suryakumar could continue leading India for several more years if he maintains his form and fitness. In modern T20 cricket, players often extend their careers into their late 30s, meaning the current captain still has time at the helm if he chooses to continue.

“So, I feel, Samson sure can be a candidate. However, if Surya keeps playing well then he can hold on to the position longer. If you’re fit, you can play till 38-39. There’s no problem. And in the shorter format, you need more experience. Someone who has captained remains forever valuable. If Surya decides to step down, Sanju can fill that position. He has captained a lot in the IPL and took the Rajasthan Royals to the final (2022). He is only 31. Might be the next Indian captain,” added Kaif.

Also READ: “Next stop Olympic gold”: Suryakumar Yadav reveals LA 2028 dream after India’s T20 World Cup triumph

Impressive numbers in the global event

Samson’s performances in the T20 World Cup further strengthened his case as a future leader. The stylish right-hander played a pivotal role in India’s campaign and emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. He finished the event with 321 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 80.25 and a remarkable strike rate of 199.37. His aggressive approach at the crease provided India with rapid starts and momentum in crucial matches.

The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 27 boundaries and cleared the ropes 24 times during the tournament, showcasing both elegance and power. More importantly, his contributions came in high-pressure situations. Samson delivered three consecutive half-centuries, including match-defining knocks in both the semifinal and the final. Those innings proved crucial in helping India secure a record third T20 World Cup title.

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson receives grand welcome at Thiruvananthapuram airport after stellar T20 World Cup 2026 show

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Gautam Gambhir and Arshdeep Singh (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly defended pacer Arshdeep Singh following his on-field altercation with Daryl Mitchell during the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, saying he would have been “absolutely fine” even if the bowler had not apologised after the incident.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The flashpoint occurred in the 11th over of New Zealand’s innings at the final in Ahmedabad. After Mitchell smashed Arshdeep for two consecutive sixes, the Indian pacer fielded the ball on his follow-through and threw it back towards the batter, with the ball striking Mitchell on the pads.

Although Arshdeep apologised to the New Zealand vice-captain after the match, the International Cricket Council later fined the pacer 15 per cent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct. One demerit point was also added to his disciplinary record.Arshdeep was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which relates to throwing a ball at or near a player in an inappropriate or dangerous manner during an international match. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Alex Wharf, along with third umpire Allahuddien Paleker and fourth umpire Adrian Holdstock. Match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction, which Arshdeep accepted, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.However, Gambhir played down the controversy and insisted the bowler’s reaction was a natural expression of competitive spirit.“That is okay. You’re representing your country. You’re bound to show aggression. There’s nothing wrong with that. No bowler likes to get hit for two sixes. And that is the kind of response I want to see from my players. And that there is nothing wrong. Or in fact, even if sorry is not said, I was absolutely fine with it. I was absolutely fine. He doesn’t need to say sorry. Yes, it’s good on him that he apologised. But on a cricket field, there are no friends. Neither are there any enemies,” Gambhir said in an interview to ANI.He also suggested that such moments are often exaggerated in the modern era due to social media scrutiny.“Your job is to represent your country. Your job is to win a game of cricket for your country. And you don’t want to get hit for two sixes. And that was fine. I thought we should not blow all these things out of proportion because these things used to happen before. Today, because of social media, things escalate a lot,” he added.The incident came in a match that ultimately ended in historic fashion for India, as the hosts crushed New Zealand by 96 runs to lift their third T20 World Cup title — becoming the first side to defend the trophy and win it on home soil.

TOI correspondent from London: Hindu and Sikh groups have criticised a non-statutory (not legally binding) definition of anti-Muslim hostility and the appointment of an “Islamophobia tsar” by the UK govt, saying it will foster resentment and marginalise other faiths.The Network of Sikh Organisations and the Free Speech Union are drawing up pre-action letters to send to UK communities secretary Steve Reed, ahead of challenging the definition via a judicial review. The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) has criticised the govt for not consulting other faiths.“All faiths and beliefs should be treated equally,” the Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) said in a statement.“If the govt have a special working group for one faith, what about the others? If a special ‘tsar’ is appointed to protect the interests of one faith, why the exclusivity,” the NSO asked. “Criminal law provides protection for all religious groups. Why do we even need a non-statutory definition,” it asked.The NSO expressed concerns the definition would curtail free speech on important matters such as grooming gangs. “Could the Sikh objection to halal slaughter of animals be interpreted as ‘hostility’,” it said.The definition, introduced on Monday, defines anti-Muslim hostility as criminal acts including verbal harassment directed at Muslims because of their religion; treating Muslims as a collective group with fixed characteristics; and practices designed to disadvantage them. The ministry of housing, communities and local government (MHCLG) said it was needed because hate crimes targeting Muslims were “at record levels”.Vinod Popat, convenor of Hindu Community Organisations Group, has written to Reed asking why there is no recognition of Hinduphobia.“Harrow Siddhashram’s recent Holi celebrations were attacked by a group of 20 youths and yet the Harrow police statement seemed to have played down this vicious attack,” HCUK said in a statement.It referred to a sentence in the social cohesion policy paper “Protecting What Matters”, accompanying the definition, which claimed that the 2022 Leicester unrest was “partly linked to the import of nationalist rhetoric and religious extremism”.“This is misinformation,” HCUK said. “Hindu temples and homes were attacked.” It said Hindus had no faith in the implementation of this policy and said such misinformation was contributing to Hindus being attacked in Harrow and Wembley.

Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra has stated that Shubman Gill cannot become the T20I captain for the Men in Blue. The cricketer-turned-commentator made the comments after Team India secured a 96-run victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad on March 8 to lift the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy.

The young batter was appointed as India’s T20I vice-captain a few months before the Asia Cup 2025. However, the management left him out of the squad for the T20 World Cup. The selectors backed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan at the top order, which proved crucial for the hosts to secure the trophy.

He Can’t Get the T20I Captaincy – Aakash Chopra on Shubman Gill

Aakash Chopra answered fan questions on his official YouTube channel. He stated that having one single captain across all three international formats is unlikely for the Indian team. Chopra added that it will be difficult for Shubman Gill to make a comeback in the T20I side.

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“It’s going to be difficult, although the Indian team thought that it would become easier if there were one captain for all three formats. However, it won’t happen at all,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“I feel we won’t be able to do that because he is the Test and ODI captain, but he can’t get the T20I captaincy. At this moment, even his name coming is difficult because of the way the Indian team has been playing, especially the last four games,” he added.

We Shouldn’t Lose The Test Batter – Aakash Chopra

The veteran commentator said that the Indian team does not need an anchor. Chopra warned that Gill should absolutely not ruin his natural technique just to desperately force his way back into the shortest format of the game.

“When are you talking about 250, and that too in a World Cup, then you don’t think you need an anchor. Gill can adapt and change, but we shouldn’t lose Shubman Gill, the Test batter, in trying to find that, and lose the Shubman Gill who can become an absolute giant in ODIs. I think it’s going to be difficult for Shubman Gill,” he observed.

Shubman Gill to Lead Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026

The right-handed batter will return to action during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign. The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 28. Gill will lead the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise in the upcoming season.

The skipper will definitely want to perform exceptionally well this season to reclaim his lost position in the Indian T20I squad. During the 2025 edition, he scored 650 runs in 15 games at an impressive average of 50.00, including six half-centuries.

Last year, the Gujarat Titans’ campaign ended with a defeat against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator. The opening batter will look to lead from the front once again.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir’s real face revealed by India batting coach: ‘He’s very clever…’

MUMBAI: The city on Wednesday saw a sharp drop in day-time temperatures, with the observatory at the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Santacruz station recording a maximum of 34.2°C, nearly 6°C lower than the previous day, when temperatures had soared to the 40°C mark.Data from automatic weather stations across the city also reflected slightly lower temperatures, though some eastern suburbs remained warmer. The highest maximum was recorded at Vikhroli (36.9°C), followed by Ram Mandir (36.2°C), Vidyavihar (34.5°C), Byculla (34.1°C), Tata Power Chembur (33.4°C), and Dahisar (33°C).The IMD Santacruz observatory recorded maximum temperatures of 34.2 deg C, which was 1.8 deg C above normal, while the IMD Colaba observatory recorded 34 deg C, which was 2.9 deg C above normal. Just a day ago, the maximum temperatures recorded by the IMD Colaba and Santacruz observatories were 35.4 deg C and 40 deg C, respectively, which were 4.3 deg C and 7.6 deg C above normal.IMD scientist Sushma Nair said the drop in temperatures was due to the early onset of the sea breeze and weaker easterly winds compared to the past two days. “The anticyclone that had persisted over south Gujarat for a prolonged period has also shifted,” Nair said. In its forecast early on Wednesday, the IMD stated that hot and humid weather conditions would persist, while for the remaining days of the week, dry conditions are expected to continue.This year, within the first ten days of March 2026, the weather bureau has issued three heatwave warnings for Mumbai, after the first alert was sounded on March 5. A heatwave warning was issued again on March 9 and 10. IMD issues a heatwave warning when the temperature of any coastal station touches 37°C or more, and at least two stations record departure from normal of at least 4.5°.Meanwhile, on Wednesday, minimum temperatures recorded by the IMD Colaba and Santacruz observatories were 24.4 °C and 23 deg C, respectively, which were 2.2 deg Cand 2.9 deg C above normal.