Why Ishan Kishan, and not Tilak Varma, was the ideal choice for India’s T20I vice‑captaincy
Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 10 Jun 2026, 10:13 AM• Read time - 5 mins
The selectors have hit the reset button for India’s T20I side with the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as the new captain, replacing Suryakumar Yadav, who brought laurels to the country by guiding India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 title.
With the next edition of the tournament still two years away, the selectors and team management are already laying the foundation for a side that can challenge for silverware once again.
While Shreyas’ elevation rightly dominated headlines, what didn’t receive the same level of attention was the promotion of Tilak Varma as vice‑captain.
This decision marks a significant shift in thinking, with the selectors clearly signalling their intent to groom younger leaders for the future. Prior to Tilak’s rise, Axar Patel held the role, but his captaincy stints in the IPL seemingly failed to convince the decision‑makers.
Comparing the captaincy records of Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Tilak’s appointment is undoubtedly a nod to the future, but Ishan Kishan had a stronger case based on his track record. Kishan’s captaincy record in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is far superior, and he even led Jharkhand to their maiden title in the 2025‑26 season, smashing a blistering hundred in the final against Haryana to seal the crown.
| Player | Matches | Wins | Losses | Win % | Loss % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tilak Varma | 14 | 9 | 5 | 64.29% | 35.71% |
| Ishan Kishan | 29 | 24 | 5 | 82.76% | 17.24% |
The numbers speak for themselves: Kishan has not only captained more games but has also maintained a far higher win percentage, underlining his ability to marshal resources effectively in India’s premier domestic T20 competition.
Experience of leading an IPL franchise
Beyond domestic cricket, Kishan also brings valuable experience of leading in the IPL. He captained Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in seven matches, securing four wins and three losses. His win percentage of 57.14% reflects a steady hand under pressure, while his ability to manage star players in a high‑profile league adds weight to his leadership credentials.
Ishan Kishan's record as captain in the IPL
| S. No | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Win % | Loss % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 7 | 4 | 3 | 57.14% | 42.85% |
On the contrary, Tilak has yet to lead a franchise in the IPL, leaving a gap in his leadership résumé. Kishan’s captaincy journey also stretches back to the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2016, where he led India to the final before finishing runners‑up against West Indies. That experience of handling knockout pressure on the global stage further strengthens his case.
Tilak’s elevation as vice‑captain is clearly a forward‑looking move by the selectors, aimed at grooming a young leader who could serve the T20I side for years to come. However, when weighed against Kishan’s proven record, both in domestic cricket and on bigger stages like the IPL and U19 World Cup, it’s evident that he had a much stronger claim.
The decision reflects the selectors’ long‑term vision, but it also raises questions about whether immediate results and experience were overlooked in favour of future planning.
