Suryakumar Yadav leaves MI? Robin Uthappa expects to reunite the amazing Gautam Gambhir in IPL 2028
Former Knights of Kolkata (KKR) mixture Robin Uthappa He made a startling prediction that included Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhirand the future of the Kolkata franchise, suggesting that the Indian star could return to KKR and eventually reunite with the current India coach in IPL.
This prediction comes amid growing uncertainty over Suryakumar’s future. The former India T20I captain was recently omitted from the national team’s upcoming duties against Ireland, England and in the Asian Games, just three months after leading India to a historic third T20 World Cup title on home soil. He also lost the T20I captaincy, while a disappointing IPL 2026 season has raised fresh questions about his standing in the format.
Speculation over his future intensified when Suryakumar briefly unfollowed the Mumbai Indians on Instagram before re-following the franchise, sparking rumors of a possible departure from the five-time champions.
Speaking on CommBoxTV YouTube channel, Uthappa speculated that a return to KKR could be on the cards.
“From Suriya’s point of view, he might go to KKR,” Uthappa said.
The move could make strategic sense for KKR, who are expected to re-evaluate their leadership options after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. While Ajinkya Rahane** has endured a difficult season as captain and Rinku Singh has failed to make a strong case despite serving as vice-captain, Suryakumar’s experience could provide the franchise with a proven leader ahead of the next auction cycle.
However, Uthappa’s expectations did not stop there.
The former India batsman went on to point out that Suryakumar could eventually combine with Gambhir at KKR. Uthappa believes Gambhir could return to the franchise as a mentor or coach after his stint as India’s head coach ends after the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“It revives the idea that once Gautam Gambhir finishes his stint with the Indian team, he will likely return to KKR as a mentor or coach. And Suriya fits into that as a captain with Gambhir as a mentor again,” he added.
The pair share a long history at KKR. Suryakumar played under Gambhir between 2014 and 2017 and emerged as one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen in the series during that period. Gambhir also backed him with leadership responsibilities, promoting him to the position of vice-captain during his final years at the franchise.
Uthappa also backed Suryakumar to continue playing franchise cricket for several more years despite his recent struggles.
“Syria will play until he is 40, unless he is marred by terrible form and his Midas touch just ends.”
At the same time, Uthappa admitted that a return to the T20 setup in India could be difficult.
“A return to the Indian team will be tough for Suriya. He won’t get any cricket at his age, so he won’t be able to play on the Australian wicket where the 2028 T20 World Cup will be played.”
It remains to be seen if Uthappa’s prediction will eventually come true, but the prospect of Suryakumar returning to KKR and reuniting with Gambhir is sure to excite Kolkata fans.
