CEC Prasad makes strange claim about Suryakumar Yadav after T20I ahead of Ireland and England tours

The squad announcement for India’s upcoming T20I tours to Ireland and England has continued to create debate in the cricketing world. The selection commission headed by him Ajit Agarkarmade several bold decisions, including replacing Suryakumar Yadav as a captain with Shreyas Iyer and left the former captain out of the squad.

The selectors have already explained that the changes are part of India’s planning for the next T20 World Cup era, former Indian selector CEC Prasad revealed a contradictory position. Prasad believes Suryakumar has stayed too long in India’s plans and suggested the star batter is effectively resting instead of falling.

CEC Prasad makes a surprising claim that Suryakumar Yadav was not released

Suryakumar’s dismissal came after a difficult IPL 2026 campaign Mumbai Indians (MI)where he scored a total of 270 runs in 13 matches. His struggles in T20I cricket over the past year, coupled with fitness concerns, reportedly influenced the selectors’ decision to move in a different direction.

However, Prasad admitted that he struggled to understand why the World Cup-winning captain would be removed from both the leadership role and the squad immediately after lifting the trophy. According to the former chief selector, the Indian management may have chosen to give Suryakumar a break, for example, along with other senior players. jasprit bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

“You don’t drop your World Cup-winning captain in the next international either. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya rested. I’m sure Surya rested too. He’s too good and too big a player. He’s too big to drop. The selectors have rested all three. It’s interesting to see all three, Suryakumar, Hardik and the No1CC players. Bumrah is still No.1 for too long. So their all three will return to the team soon. Prasad told PTI.

Also READ: Sanjay Manjrekar questions India’s T20I captaincy call after Shreyas Iyer replaced Suryakumar Yadav.

The former selector questions the release of Rajat Patidar

Apart from Suryakumar’s absence, Prasad was equally surprised Rajat Patidar Was not included in the T20I squad. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) the skipper enjoyed another great IPL season leading his team to a second successive title and contributing immensely with the bat.

Patidar scored 501 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.75 and an impressive strike rate of 192.69. Despite these numbers, the middle-order batsman failed to secure his first T20I call-up. Prasad felt the time was ideal for India to reward Patidar’s performances and leadership credentials.

“I am really surprised. If not now, when will you take him? He has done very well as a player and has been a match-winner. He has led RCB to two consecutive IPL titles. He is in great form and has a lot of confidence. It was a good time to give him a chance. But I am sure the selectors have big ideas for him or can give him a chance in the tournament.” Prasad said.

Also READ: Why did BCCI not pick Rajat Patidar in India’s T20I squad despite winning back-to-back IPL titles? Ajit Agarkar explains