Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed captain of the India T20I team, has expressed his intent to adopt leadership qualities similar to those of Rohit Sharma. After Rohit stepped down from T20I captaincy following India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Suryakumar took the helm during the ongoing series against Bangladesh.
He highlighted his admiration for Rohit’s captaincy, emphasizing the lessons he aims to incorporate into his own leadership style. Suryakumar has embraced the aggressive play style that Rohit is known for, fostering a similar mentality among his young teammates, who focus on scoring as many runs as possible within their 20 overs.
Embracing the Role of a Leader
In a recent interview, Suryakumar conveyed his enjoyment of the captaincy role and the supportive environment created by his teammates and coaches.
He is determined to maintain his natural playing style and not let the responsibilities of captaincy alter his character. “I want to give players the freedom to play their natural game and express themselves, just as they do for their states and franchises,” he stated.
He believes that joining the Indian team only changes the jersey, while the drive to succeed remains the same. Suryakumar is focused on being a genuine leader, rather than merely holding the title of captain on paper.
Learning from Rohit and Building Team Unity
Suryakumar also acknowledged the invaluable insights he has gained from Rohit, particularly during the second Test against Bangladesh, which he described as a showcase of excellent captaincy.
He praised Rohit’s performance, noting that it set the tone for the series. Suryakumar expressed gratitude for his relationship with coach Gautam Gambhir, who he feels has consistently supported him. He noted the importance of teamwork, stating, “I appreciate when I see batters contributing with the ball, as it adds balance to the team.”
This multifaceted approach allows for more bowling options, reinforcing team unity. He concluded by affirming his commitment to continuing the selfless brand of cricket that characterized their T20 World Cup success, believing it will lead to ongoing achievements for the team.
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