Attending his first press conference as the full-time captain of the Indian team, Suryakumar Yadav gave insights into his approach as the skipper, and what changes he wishes to bring to the side in the shortest format. Speaking to the media, Surya also shed light on Hardik Pandya’s role in the team, now that he is no longer the vice-captain or captain. The new T20I captain also shared his admiration for his predecessor Rohit Sharma, who quit the format after a victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
“Hardik’s role has always been the same. He is a very important player for the team. The way he performed in the World Cup, I hope he will continue to do the same,” Surya told reporters on Friday.
“The same train will go ahead only the engine has changed and the bogies remain unchanged. Nothing changes, the brand of cricket remains the same. It (the captaincy role) doesn’t change anything. It has given me an added responsibility. It is good that now I can do a ‘walk the talk’,” he added.
The 33-year old also added that he plans to take the learnings he took from Rohit Sharma forward. Surya has played under Rohit both for India and for IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians.
“What I have learned from Rohit is that he was always a leader on the ground and off it. He was not just a captain – there is a lot of difference between the two. He was a leader who stood in the middle of the group and showed people the way. How to play T20 cricket and how to win a tournament? That is what I have learned from him,” he said.
Surya’s first assignment as T20I captain will be the 3-match series against Sri Lanka starting from Saturday, July 27.
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