(Source X)
Following India’s triumphant 3-0 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka under new captain Suryakumar Yadav, former cricketers Ashish Nehra and Ajay Jadeja expressed surprise at Suryakumar Yadav’s revelation about a new team ritual. The recent success under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir has significantly influenced the team dynamics, evident in the spirited atmosphere within the Indian dressing room.
The series concluded dramatically with India clinching a thrilling win in a Super Over during the third T20I. In an interview with Sony Sports, Suryakumar Yadav disclosed a unique team initiative where players are encouraged to sit together as a cohesive unit rather than in smaller groups. He emphasized that this fosters stronger camaraderie among the players, a sentiment echoed by Jadeja, who remarked on the importance of such organic unity in a team environment.
“This trend started during the World Cup, where no matter the result or performance in the game, we used to sit together. We decided that we wouldn’t sit in groups of 2 or 3 people but always sit together as a team. The same thing happened during this series,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
I’m Just Surprised That Players Are Talking About This – Ajay Jadeja
During his analysis on Sony Sports Hindi, Ajay Jadeja reacted to Suryakumar Yadav’s statement, raising a pertinent question about past team dynamics. Jadeja pondered whether previous teams had not adopted the approach Suryakumar Yadav mentioned, implying that the new captain’s initiative marked a notable change in team strategy.
“That is what you expect in a team sport. I’m just surprised that players are talking about this even today and it has been rather a change in the team that players won’t sit in small groups. I don’t know, did you not all sit together in previous teams? But again, the captain mentioned that he brought this change, although this is old,” Ajay Jadeja said.
Suryakumar Yadav kicked off his tenure as India’s T20I captain in style, guiding the team to a clean sweep against Sri Lanka. This series debut also doubles as Gautam Gambhir’s inaugural stint as India’s head coach. Yadav’s leadership is set to extend until the T20 World Cup 2026, having been appointed by the BCCI to succeed Rohit Sharma in this pivotal role.
That Happened Only A Month Back – Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra, part of the panel, expressed surprise at Suryakumar Yadav’s revelation. Nehra raised the question of why this change was implemented only during the T20 World Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Jadeja remarked on his astonishment that such a practice had only recently begun.
“Didn’t he say that this change happened during the World Cup? That happened only a month back,” Ashish Nehra added.
“I’m not doubting him, but I’m rather surprised that this has only started now,” Ajay Jadeja responded.
The Indian team’s next outing will be in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, where Rohit Sharma will resume leadership duties. The series will witness the return of key players such as Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. The action kicks off at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2nd.
