5. Axar Patel: The left-arm wrist-spinner became a crucial part of the T20I side with his performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He looked good as the leader of the Delhi Capitals last season, too, which makes his case strong. (Picture Credit: AFP)

Axar has age on his side, 31, and if he can impose himself as an all-rounder in the upcoming five-T20I series against New Zealand, he could be India's captain for the 2028 and 2030 editions of the T20 World Cup. (AP/PTI)

4. Sanju Samson: Samson's case is similar to Axar, with the difference being that his place is even more uncertain, which makes him seem like a left-field choice. However, he's among the most experienced in the team, leadership-wise, with 67 IPL matches behind him. (PTI/File)

At Rajasthan Royals, he heralded some of their best years in the IPL, though he couldn't take them past the finish line. If he can become undroppable, there might not be too many better options. (PTI Photo)

3. Abhishek Sharma: Why not? He's the top-ranked T20I batter, the pace-setter at the top of the order, and someone who might not be dropped even after a few dozen bad performances because of his overall impact. (Picture Credit: AFP)

He has led Punjab in a few domestic games and is likely the next-in-line at Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even if the team doesn't trust him quite yet, he could be given the vice-captaincy after the World Cup, with time to learn from a senior but stop-gap leader. (Picture Credit: AP)

2. Jasprit Bumrah: He could be the stopgap solution. Bumrah has excellent leadership instincts and finally seems to be coming back to his best fitness-wise. (Picture Credit: AFP)

When fit, Bumrah is undroppable and will remain so for at least the next couple of years. With few Tests to play in the coming year, India could use Bumrah as the Test and T20I specialist with rare appearances in ODIs. A senior figure, Bumrah, will command respect and could help the team navigate to the next T20 World Cup if Suryakumar can't. (Picture Credit: AFP)

1. Hardik Pandya: Pandya has everything needed in a leader. He's charismatic, a crucial player, someone who impacts all phases of a match, and someone who carries the pedigree as an IPL-winning captain. (AP)

India infact made him the T20I captain before Suryakumar took over, and he led the team to ten wins in 16 matches. If the dressing room can avoid some personality clashes, Pandya could be the best option to take the team forward.
(PC: AFP)