Mumbai are reportedly considering Suryakumar Yadav for the captaincy ahead of the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is expected to announce its squad next week, with several leadership options unavailable due to injuries and international commitments.

Suryakumar last represented Mumbai in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, while his most recent competitive appearance came in the IPL 2026 final on May 24. The 36-year-old has also led India and Mumbai across formats and brings considerable experience to the domestic circuit.

Suryakumar Yadav Emerges as Front-Runner for Mumbai Captaincy in SMAT 2026-27

The MCA could hand Suryakumar Yadav the leadership role after considering his experience and previous record as captain. According to a report by Sportstar, there is considerable 'buzz' within the association about appointing him for the tournament.

Mumbai have several leadership options unavailable for the campaign. Shreyas Iyer, who replaced Suryakumar Yadav as India's T20I captain, is expected to be occupied with national duties.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is also unavailable after featuring only in Mumbai's opening Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh. The left-handed batter is currently in New Zealand with the Indian Test squad ahead of the series.

Shardul Thakur and Ayush Mhatre, who could also have been considered for the captaincy, are unavailable after sustaining injuries during the early stages of the Ranji Trophy campaign. This leaves the MCA with fewer experienced leadership choices.

Suryakumar Yadav Looks to Regain Form After Missing Out on India Selection

Suryakumar Yadav lost India's T20I captaincy on June 6, three months after leading the team to the 2026 T20 World Cup title in March. The former India skipper was subsequently left out of the squads for the tours of Ireland and England, as well as the Asian Games.

His batting returns at the 2026 T20 World Cup were below expectations. He scored 242 runs in nine matches at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72, with just one half-century.

During IPL 2026, the batter managed 270 runs in 13 matches at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54, including two half-centuries. With strong competition in India's top and middle order, a return to the national team could prove challenging.

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy could give him an opportunity to regain match practice and make a case for himself through performances in domestic cricket. He recently featured in the MCA President's Club tournament, where he captained MIG Cricket Club.

Suryakumar Yadav's Mumbai and India Captaincy Records Could Boost His Case

Suryakumar Yadav has previously captained Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His record in domestic white-ball cricket includes 10 wins in 16 T20 matches, with six defeats.

In List A cricket, he has led Mumbai in 10 matches, recording a 50 percent win rate. He has also served as vice-captain of the Mumbai Indians in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya.

He led India's T20I team in 52 matches, winning 40 and losing eight. India did not lose a bilateral series under his leadership and secured the 2025 Asia Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup titles.

His experience across domestic and international cricket could make him a suitable option for Mumbai as they prepare for the upcoming tournament. However, the MCA is yet to announce its squad or confirm who will lead the side in the 2026-27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.