(Source X)
Suryakumar Yadav made his first public comments since being named India’s T20I captain. With Rohit Sharma retiring from the T20 format, Hardik Pandya had been a likely candidate for the captaincy, given his role as vice-captain during the recent T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, the selectors chose Suryakumar, emphasizing the need for a player who would be more consistently available for the team.
Under Suryakumar’s leadership, India will face Sri Lanka in a three-match series starting on July 27. In a pre-series interview on BCCI.tv, Suryakumar shared that he has relished taking on leadership responsibilities on the field, even without officially being the captain, and has gained valuable insights from various past captains.
“I have always enjoyed being a leader on the field even though I was not the captain. I have always learnt a lot of things from different captains. It’s a good feeling and a great responsibility,” the swashbuckling middle-order batter told BCCI.TV.
Indian cricket is poised to enter a new chapter with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm as captain and Gautam Gambhir stepping in as the new head coach. Their connection dates back to their time together with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, where they forged a solid partnership.
Suryakumar, renowned for his dynamic batting and creative strokes, has characterized his bond with Gambhir as both unique and enduring.
“This relationship is special because, in 2014, I played under him in KKR. It was special because from there only I got opportunities. The relationship is still strong.
“He (Gambhir) knows how I work, and what is my mindset when I come to practice sessions. I also know how he tries to work as a coach. It’s all about the lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward,” the Mumbai batter said.
Suryakumar has expressed his desire to stay humble and grounded while leading the team on the field. He views cricket primarily as a sport rather than allowing it to dominate his life.
“I think the most important thing that I have learned from this sport is how humble you are after achieving or even after not doing well. I have learned when you do something on the ground you have to leave it on the ground,” he said.
“This is not your life, this is just a part of your life. So you can’t be when you are doing well you stay on the top and when you are not doing well, you are underground.
“That’s one thing which you shouldn’t do ever as a sportsman, that’s one thing which I have learned and that’s what helps me create balance in my life. If you are a good person, everything happens good,” he concluded.
