Suryakumar led India to a T20 World Cup victory earlier this year, yet he finds himself outside the team’s plans for the shorter format moving ahead.
“You don’t drop a World Cup winning captain like that, especially not in the very next international match. Jasprit Bumrah is resting, as is Hardik Pandya. I believe Surya is also resting,” Prasad mentioned to PTI.
“He is too valuable and significant a player to be sidelined,” he continued.
Prasad noted that allowing some key players like Suryakumar, Bumrah, and Pandya to rest after the demanding IPL 2026 campaign for the Mumbai Indians is not a bad strategy.
Both Bumrah and Pandya are absent from the Indian squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England.
“The selectors have rested all three. It’s intriguing that all – Suryakumar, Hardik, and Bumrah have held the No. 1 positions in ICC rankings for quite some time.
“Bumrah remains No. 1. So, there’s no harm in allowing all three to take a break. I’m confident they will return to the team sooner rather than later,” he commented.
Prasad further expressed that Rajat Patidar, who recently led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second IPL title, should have been included in the squad.
“I’m genuinely surprised. When else will you pick him if not now? He’s performed exceptionally as a player and has been a match-winner, guiding RCB to two consecutive IPL titles.
“His form is outstanding and he’s brimming with confidence. This was the perfect moment to give him a shot. Nonetheless, I trust the selectors have plans for him; maybe he will get a chance in a more significant and competitive series or tournament,” he remarked.
Regarding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being the youngest Indian selected for the senior team at just 15, Prasad stated: “I’m absolutely thrilled and excited for him. He’s an extraordinary talent. The selectors have acknowledged that and granted him an opportunity.
“I’m confident everyone will want to see him bat and perform at the top level.”
(With PTI inputs)
