What led to Suryakumar Yadav being selected for leadership duties in T20Is over the 2024 T20I World Cup-winning vice-captain Hardik Pandya, will continue to be shrouded in controversy. However, Suryakumar’s meteoric rise as a leader was always going to be impossible to overlook.
After the completion of the T20I World Cup, with India emerging as victors, captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format. It was then expected that Hardik, who was India’s vice-captain during the tournament, would lead India going forward in the format. However, a change in the coaching staff and their lack of trust in Hardik’s body led to Suryakumar emerging as the frontrunner to take over Rohit’s duties.
With his 360-degree batting style and trust in his comrades, SKY has managed to lead India in 19 T20Is with an astounding win percentage of 84.21%—16 wins and 3 losses. The pick of the lot was his clean sweep series win over Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, where the ODI team faltered, and a 3-1 series win in South Africa.
Suryakumar’s stint as captain has been nothing short of remarkable, having now led the team to three series wins as skipper, with a fourth not far away.
His leadership seems rooted in fostering team harmony and backing his players. Tilak Varma’s heartfelt words for his captain, after delivering a match-winning knock in the 2nd T20I against England, perfectly capture why Suryakumar has been such a phenomenal success.
“I can only say one thing, not just for me. We both play together in the IPL (Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians) as well. But even for any new player, he maintains the bond so well with every player. On the field, off the field too. He gives so much time to all the players. It feels great when someone like Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India, is with us. Even if any new kid joins the team, it doesn’t feel like it with him,” Tilak said while speaking on Star Sports’ Cricket Live show.
Tilak was promoted by his captain above himself in the batting order, highlighting the trust and vision that define Suryakumar’s leadership. Alongside supporting youngsters, his handling of senior players like Hardik — who was touted to take the reins from Rohit — has also been a testament to his leadership maturity, ensuring a collaborative approach.
India’s well-oiled T20I side under Suryakumar has overseen its remarkable run in the format with aggressive intent, fearless decision-making, and dynamic adaptability to the situation’s needs.