Since taking charge as the captain in the shortest format in July 2024, Surya has remained woefully out of form and could only manage some consistent runs in the T20I series versus New Zealand in January this year. Ever since being handed the leadership role, Surya has managed only 932 runs in 45 matches and has endured extended lean patches.
Wrist trouble?
While Surya enjoys a strong win-percentage as captain (76.92 percent) and boasts multiple titles (2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup), but his underwhelming returns with the bat, dodgy wrist and age are forcing the think-tank to look elsewhere.
There were and are leadership options of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan too but Iyer seems to be ahead for his success in the IPL in three seasons with different franchises.