(Source X)
Ahead of the upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka, Suryakumar Yadav has infused a sense of levity into the dressing room atmosphere. The Indian team is set to embark on a tour comprising six white-ball fixtures, commencing on July 27th.
Following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024, Suryakumar Yadav was named captain of the T20I squad, edging out Hardik Pandya, who had been the vice-captain during the tournament and was initially earmarked for the captaincy role.
However, due to Hardik Pandya’s history of injuries and concerns over managing his workload, Suryakumar Yadav emerged as the preferred choice. Yadav’s inaugural challenge will be against Sri Lanka, coinciding with Gautam Gambhir’s debut as head coach of the team.
Yadav finds himself at the helm of a youthful Indian side during a phase of transition. With the retirements of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, the team is now focused on rebuilding towards the T20 World Cup 2026, guided by the leadership of the world’s second-ranked batter.
However, there is growing anticipation that Rinku Singh will be afforded more opportunities. Prior to the inaugural game against Sri Lanka, the batsman was spotted sharing a lighthearted moment with captain Suryakumar Yadav. Together, they posed for a photo at the Sri Lanka airport.
What particularly drew interest was the caption accompanying Suryakumar Yadav’s post of the picture. At the top, he inscribed “God’s plan,” a phrase often associated with Rinku Singh. At the bottom, he wrote: “Theek hai bat le lena”.
For those unaware, Rinku Singh made waves recently when he requested a bat from Virat Kohli during IPL 2024. The incident added a touch of humor as it marked his second request after breaking the first bat. Despite initial refusal from the star batter, Rinku persisted until he eventually secured the bat.
Suryakumar Yadav aims to start strong.
On July 27th, Suryakumar Yadav will debut as captain of the Indian National Cricket Team. The squad has arrived in Sri Lanka and commenced their preparations for the upcoming series. This presents a significant chance for the team to fine-tune their lineup in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav is keen to showcase his leadership skills, having been a pivotal figure in the team’s T20 format. Alongside him, Gautam Gambhir also aims to make a strong start in his role, as the pair endeavors to propel the Indian team forward.
