Still feels like a dream, Suryakumar Yadav on becoming India's new T20I vice-captain

“It (vice-captaincy) wasn’t expected, but the way the past year has been for me, I can say that it’s like a reward for me. I’m feeling very good about it, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Surya said after cracking 95 for Mumbai against Saurashtra on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy match at the MCA’s ground in BKC.It was his father Ashok Kumar Yadav who broke the good news to ‘Sky’ on Tuesday night that he had been ‘promoted’ in India’s T20I setup. “My father forwarded the (team) to me, because he’s always on social media. Then, we spoke to each other. He also sent me a small message: ‘Not to take any pressure and enjoy your batting.’”Of course, it took time for the news to sink in.

“I closed my eyes and asked myself: ‘Is this a dream?’” Surya revealed. Indeed, the last two years -- since his debut against England at Ahmedabad on March 14, 2021, he has smashed 1,408 runs in 42 T20Is @44.00 at an unreal strike rate of 180.97, with 12 fifties and 2 hundreds - have been like a ‘walk in the clouds’ for the Mumbaikar, who bats like a ‘free bird’ as former Mumbai coach Sulakshan Kulkarni had once termed him to be. If the 32-year-old keeps smiling and pinching himself, you can’t blame him!

1/20SKY moments: How Suryakumar Yadav dominated T20Is in 2022Show Captions<p>Suryakumar Yadav has taken cricket's shortest format by storm as he emerged as the highest run-getter in 2022.</p><p>In 31 T20Is this year, Suryakumar showcased unreal consistency and power-hitting, scoring 1164 runs at an average of 46.56.</p><p>He scored two centuries and nine fifties in the format this year, with best score 117 of this year.</p><p>Surya, who is also known as Mr 360 for his ability to play strokes all around the wicket, is the first Indian to score