Ever since taking over the captaincy responsibilities in the shortest format for team India, Suryakumar Yadav has scaled the national side to new heights. The team has undergone a significant change in fortunes. Suryakumar a.k.a SKY was a key figure in the T20 World Cup-winning squad which emerged triumphant in the Caribbean in 2024. Aside from their famous title win, India have been a force to reckon with in the bilateral T20I series.
Under his leadership, the Men in Blue have gone on to win 15 out of 18 T20Is and have by far become the most successful T20I team to date. Suryakumar has not only impressed us all with his leadership but his explosive 360-degree batting has also stood out.
Suryakumar reveals his long-term ambitions for Team India
In a recent discussion following India’s blazing win against England in Kolkata, the Indian T20I skipper outlined future goals for himself and his national side and unveiled his long-term captaincy vision for India. The 32-year-old stressed that he does not want to be seen as a captain but as a leader for team India.
"I feel I don’t just want to be a captain; I want to be a leader. If we want to achieve something as a group, everyone has to be on the same page. These are the small things I keep telling them - the basics, good habits to follow on the ground, and off the field. And when you step onto the ground, just leave your body and enjoy what’s happening."
Suryakumar recalls the moment when he made his T20I captaincy debut
Suryakumar was filled with joy and emotion when BCCI made the decision to appoint him as the captain ahead of India’s five-match T20I series against Australia in November 2023. He got the first real taste of captaincy during that series and fared exceptionally well as India went on to crush Australia by 4-1 thus smoothening the scars of the painful 2023 ODI World Cup Final defeat. He further added that his family was ecstatic after hearing the news and they spent quality time within themselves to cherish his landmark achievement.
"It was an emotional moment. I called my family, and we had a nice chat. Then I took a deep breath, felt that moment, and celebrated. We sat at home, cooked some food - with the help of my wife - and enjoyed the evening. It was fun and a very special feeling."
Following a dominating show at the Eden Gardens, Surya and his men have taken an early 1-0 lead and will head to Chennai with a lot of confidence. India is expected to perform well in all departments in the forthcoming T20I and the tourists will have to come up with a revamped game plan to counter the impending threat from the mighty Indian squad.
