As the IPL 2025 season approaches, franchises are strategizing for the upcoming mega auction, and Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a potential captaincy candidate. Suryakumar is likely to leave them after last year's captaincy debacle, when Mumbai Indians decided to bring Hardik Pandya back from Gujarat Titans to hand him over the captaincy. 

His stocks have also surged massively after he was named India's T20I captain a week back. As things stand now, three teams are particularly keen on securing his leadership skills. Here’s an in-depth look at why these teams might target him.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB has historically struggled to find consistent leadership, and while Virat Kohli has been a stalwart, the franchise has lacked the final push to secure an IPL title. With Faf du Plessis nearing the twilight of his career, RCB needs a dynamic leader who can inspire the squad and bring fresh tactical insights.

Suryakumar Yadav fits this bill perfectly. His aggressive batting style and ability to handle pressure make him an ideal candidate to lead a team filled with stars like Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. Moreover, Yadav’s experience with Mumbai Indians (MI), where he has been a key player in multiple championship runs, adds significant value. His calm demeanor on the field and his ability to anchor the innings can provide the stability RCB needs in crucial moments.

Additionally, Yadav’s leadership could rejuvenate the team’s approach, making them more competitive in high-stakes matches. His experience in dealing with high-pressure situations will be crucial for RCB’s aspirations to finally lift the IPL trophy.

Also Read: Will Rohit and Suryakumar leave Mumbai Indians? Dissecting their IPL 2025 retention conundrum

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS is another franchise that has frequently changed captains, looking for the right combination to lead them to glory. Despite having a strong squad, inconsistency has plagued them, and a captain like Suryakumar Yadav could be the solution they need.

PBKS has shown willingness to invest in star power, and Yadav’s addition could provide the much-needed spark. His experience in winning tight games and his strategic mindset could help PBKS improve their performance in the latter stages of the tournament, which has often been their Achilles heel.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

LSG, a relatively new team in the IPL, has already made a mark but is looking for stability and leadership for sustained success. KL Rahul has been leading the side effectively, but there are speculations about his future with the team, making the captaincy role a topic of discussion.

Suryakumar Yadav, with his vast experience and calm under pressure, could be a perfect fit for LSG. His ability to accelerate the innings and play impactful knocks can help LSG in tight matches. Moreover, Yadav’s leadership style aligns well with LSG’s team dynamics.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Retention: All Player rumours and updates ahead of mega auction

Having Yadav as captain could also provide an opportunity for KL Rahul to focus more on his batting, reducing the dual pressure of captaincy and leading the batting lineup. Even if Rahul leaves the franchise, Yadav will be an apt replacement.This strategic shift could enhance the overall performance of the team, providing them with a balanced batting approach in all phases.

Suryakumar Yadav’s potential as a captain for IPL 2025 is being eyed by several other franchises, but RCB, PBKS, and LSG are leading the charge. His consistent performance, ability to handle pressure, and a tough mindset make him an ideal candidate to lead a team to victory. Each of these teams has unique challenges and Yadav’s leadership could be the key to unlocking their potential in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.