Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has praised Suryakumar Yadav for his creative captaincy following India’s 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the series in Pallekele on July 27.
Axar lauded Suryakumar’s player-focused and adaptable leadership style, calling him a “bowlers’ captain.” This comes after Suryakumar succeeded Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain, following Sharma’s retirement from T20Is.
Axar Patel hails Suryakumar Yadav as bowlers’ captain after first T20I win over Sri Lanka
Axar Patel praised Suryakumar Yadav for his dynamic leadership, highlighting how Suryakumar’s aggressive batting and strategic acumen are complemented by his support for the bowlers. He allows them to make crucial decisions on the field and motivates them even when facing challenges from the batters.
Axar Patel himself contributed significantly with figures of 2/38 from four overs, aiding India in dismissing Sri Lanka for 170 while chasing a target of 214 runs in the high-scoring T20I opener at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Suryakumar Yadav excelled both as captain and batsman, scoring an impressive 58 runs off 26 balls. His standout performance led to a victorious start for India’s Sri Lanka tour and his tenure as a full-time captain. For his exceptional batting, he was named Player of the Match in Pallekele.
Axar Patel said at the post-match press conference on Saturday in Pallekele: “I played in the last Australia series with Surya Bhai. I know that he is a bowlers’ captain. He gives you free hand that you decide first. Whenever you get hit, he comes and says that it was a good ball. He keeps giving you input. As a player, there is a good bond with him.”
Axar Patel recalls experiencing playing under Suryakumar Yadav for the first time
The prominent spin all-rounder also reminisced about playing under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership during the five-match T20I series against Australia in India following the ODI World Cup 2023. India had secured a 4-1 series win against the reigning ODI World Cup champions.
Patel noted that he saw little change in Suryakumar’s leadership style and emphasized the importance of a captain’s support and confidence, particularly when a bowler is struggling. He expressed his admiration for Suryakumar’s approach to captaincy.
Axar added, “As a captain, I have also played with him in the last five matches, and when I was playing today, I didn’t feel much change. In the first three overs, when we were going for runs, he was telling me that we can do this or do that and how we can take a wicket. There is no problem if a four or six goes in it. As a bowler, you get confidence from that if the captain is backing you and telling you that you can do this.”
Notably, the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Sunday, July 28, at the same venue, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, where the Men in Blue will be aiming to clinch the three-match T20I series after winning the first game.
