Hardik Pandya expressed admiration for Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership and the team environment fostered by both the new skipper and coach Gautam Gambhir. Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is, Suryakumar was appointed captain, a decision that surprised many who expected Pandya to take the helm.
Despite initial speculation about potential tension between the two, Pandya and Suryakumar have developed a strong bond, working together seamlessly. After India’s 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh in the T20I series, Pandya emphasized the positive atmosphere in the dressing room, crediting Yadav and Gambhir for the freedom they’ve given the players to perform at their best.
Freedom and Support Boost Team’s Performance
Pandya highlighted how the freedom granted by Yadav and Gambhir has been instrumental in the team’s success. During the post-match presentation, he explained how this environment allows players to enjoy their game, which, in turn, enhances performance. “When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone’s enjoying everyone’s success, you feel like doing more,” he said.
The team’s cohesive energy and mutual support have been key to India’s dominant display in the series, with young players stepping up when called upon. Pandya, who was named player of the series, credited the captain and coach for providing the necessary freedom to unlock the players’ full potential.
Hardik Reflects on Personal Fitness and Memorable Shots
In addition to praising the team environment, Pandya reflected on his own fitness and form, attributing much of his success to his improved physical condition and workload management. “Body has been fantastic, God has been kind to help me out,” he remarked.
This commitment to fitness has allowed him to maintain high performance levels throughout the series. When asked about his standout moment in the match, Pandya fondly recalled a “helicopter chip shot” over the cover region, describing it as his best shot of the game. His confidence and form, combined with the team’s overall spirit, hint at a bright future for Indian cricket under Suryakumar’s leadership.
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