India’s explosive T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has revealed one of his biggest career regrets — that he never had the opportunity to play under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.
Although he faced the legendary wicketkeeper-batter several times in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Suryakumar admitted that representing India under Dhoni was something he deeply wished for.
“I really wanted to play under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Unfortunately, I missed that chance,” he said.
Having debuted internationally only in 2021, Suryakumar’s entry into the national team came after Dhoni had already retired from international cricket in 2020.
Despite this, SKY considers Dhoni a guiding figure, explaining that he learned a lot by merely observing his leadership style on the field. He particularly admired Dhoni’s composure, decision-making, and ability to remain calm under pressure. “I played against him in the IPL and learned a lot just by watching him closely,” Suryakumar added.
Lessons from Kohli: Energy, Standards, and Mindset
Suryakumar’s first stint in international cricket came under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, a period he describes as both intense and inspiring. Known for his aggressive leadership style and relentless pursuit of excellence, Kohli left a deep impression on SKY.
“Playing under Virat Kohli was an incredible experience. His energy, intensity, and the standards he sets for the team are unmatched,” Suryakumar said.
He praised Kohli for bringing a winning mindset to the dressing room, which helped him elevate his own game. Kohli’s focus on fitness, consistency, and discipline became key lessons for Suryakumar as he established himself as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters in the T20 format.
According to him, Kohli’s ability to demand the best from everyone around him shaped the culture of the team and left a lasting legacy on his career.
Rohit Sharma’s Open-Door Leadership Style
Another influential figure in Suryakumar’s journey has been Rohit Sharma, under whom he currently plays. SKY highlighted Rohit’s approachable leadership style, which fosters communication and trust within the squad. “Rohit Sharma always keeps his door open for players. He listens, understands, and gives complete freedom to express oneself,” Suryakumar noted.
This player-friendly environment, he said, has helped many youngsters, including himself, perform fearlessly on the international stage. Though the regret of not playing under Dhoni remains, Suryakumar believes that the unique leadership qualities of Kohli and Rohit have played a crucial role in shaping his career and making him one of India’s most dynamic T20I captains today.
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