Newly appointed Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, despite previously not holding the official captaincy. He revealed that his leadership skills have been honed over the years by observing and learning from various captains.
Last week, Suryakumar was chosen to lead India’s T20 team, succeeding Hardik Pandya following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format.
His initial challenge will be the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, commencing this Saturday.
“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.
As Indian cricket enters a new chapter with Suryakumar at the helm and Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach, both figures are eager to make their mark.
Suryakumar and Gambhir have a longstanding connection from their time together with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, which has only strengthened over the years.
Describing their bond as both special and resilient, Suryakumar said,“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 added, “He (Gambhir) knows how I work, 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 emphasized his desire to stay humble and grounded while leading the team, viewing cricket as a sport rather than the core of his existence.
“I think most important thing what 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 good person, everything happens good.”
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