"Mastered That Skill": Ex-India Coach On Suryakumar Yadav Becoming T20I Captain

28.07.2024 - 03:29 sports.ndtv.com

The decision to elevate star batter Suryakumar Yadav into the leadership role has garnered much attention, especially with Hardik Pandya being snubbed of the same job.

The decision to snub Hardik for the leadership role came as a shock to many. Over the past few years, Hardik has led Team India in T20Is in the absence of captain Rohit Sharma, and was also his deputy during the successful T20 World Cup campaign last month.

While addressing the debate at a press conference, India chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasised that the decision to name Suryakumar the captain was taken considering the fitness aspect in mind.

Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, whose tenure came to an end after the T20 World Cup last month, has backed the current management's decision to name Suryakumar the captain, while also revealing the thought process behind the move. "First and foremost, when you pick a captain, you expect the captain to play all the games in that format.

cricket Sri Lanka Cricket Team India Cricket Team Rohit Sharma Hardik Pandya Gautam Gambhir Suryakumar Yadav Paras Mhambrey India Sri Lanka

Former Team India fielding coach R Sridhar has stated that Suryakumar Yadav checks several boxes and, therefore, was made captain in the T20I format. Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma from T20Is after the T20 World Cup 2024 win, many expected Hardik Pandya - who was vice-captain at the tournament - to inherit captaincy. However, new head coach Gautam Gambhir chose Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the side in the shortest format. Sridhar suggested that Suryakumar's bond with players in the dressing room has been a big plus in helping him win captaincy.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav's Blunder Nearly Cost India 3rd T20I vs Sri Lanka

A blunder from India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav nearly cost the team the third match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. It was the third and final T20I of the series. Sri Lanka were chasing 138 runs but their poor performance in batting towards the end saw India making a remarkable comeback in Pallekele. The hosts needed 5 runs off the final two balls to win the game. This is when Chamindu Wickramasinghe slammed Suryakumar's fuller delivery to long-off and tried to steal a couple.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav's Blunder Nearly Cost India 3rd T20I vs Sri Lanka

Not His 20th Over, Suryakumar Yadav Reveals Real Game-Changing Moment For India In 3rd T20I

Suryakumar Yadav's heart is beating with joy watching his teammates care for each other, as he starts his journey to become a leader of men rather than a mere captain of a cricket team. In his first series as full-time T20I captain, Suryakumar won the 'Player of The Series' award after two brilliant knocks in the first two games, but getting two wickets with his off-breaks in a thrilling Super Over win was an icing on the cake.

Super Over Madness, Rinku Singh And Suryakumar Yadav Bowl, As India Beat Sri Lanka In 3rd T20I

India defeated Sri Lanka via the Super Over in the inconsequential third and final T20I at Pallekele here on Tuesday to sweep the series 3-0. Kusal Perera (46, 34b) and Kusal Mendis (43, 41b) guided Lanka's chase of 138 before their innings fell apart in the familiar fashion at the business end. SL ended up at 137/8 after stipulated 20 overs, taking the match to Super Over. For India, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh and skipper Suryakumar Yadav took two wickets apiece. India needed just three runs to win in Super Over.

India vs Sri Lanka LIVE Score Updates, 3rd T20I: Suryakumar Yadav Aims To Break Rohit Sharma's Big Record, India Eye Whitewash

India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I Live Updates: India will be squaring off against Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the three-match series on Tuesday in Pallekele. After sealing the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, Suryakumar Yadav and co will now aim for a whitewash. India won the first game by 43 runs before securing a seven-wicket victory in the rain-shortened second match. India captain Suryakumar Yadav aims to break Rohit Sharma's record. Surya needs 74 runs to surpass Rohit and become the Indian with most runs in T20Is against Sri Lanka. (Live Scorecard)