Suryakumar Yadav’s elevation to India’s T20I captaincy came as a surprise to many, including former batting coach Sanjay Bangar. Just a month before turning 34, Yadav was handed the responsibility of leading the national team in T20Is. This was a remarkable achievement, considering he had made his international debut only three years prior, in March 2021.
While Suryakumar had previously led India in a few matches when senior players were rested, the decision to name him full-time captain after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph raised eyebrows. The expectation was that Hardik Pandya, India’s designated vice-captain during the World Cup, would take over. Pandya had already led India in multiple T20I series between the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament.
Bangar’s Initial Shock and Change in Opinion
Speaking on Deep Point on Star Sports, Bangar admitted that he was initially surprised by the decision. “Honestly, I was shocked that he was elevated to captain because, until that point, Hardik Pandya was the captain-designate,” he said. However, he has since changed his perspective, appreciating Yadav’s leadership qualities.
“The way he handled the transition shows his excellent man-management skills. It’s still early days, but he seems like the perfect fit for this young squad, especially after the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. He can be the leader of this new generation and relate to them well,” Bangar added.
Suryakumar’s Unique Batting Style and Leadership Potential
Bangar highlighted Suryakumar’s ability to read the game and adapt quickly, calling his proactive approach a key strength. “His batting is not just about unorthodox shots; it’s about imagination, courage, and anticipation. He has the unique ability to change plans mid-delivery, which makes him a special player. Many batters can hit 360-degree shots, but SKY’s skill lies in adjusting his game instantly,” he explained.
Under Suryakumar’s captaincy, India has recorded 16 wins and just four losses in T20Is. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes this success, combined with his temperament, makes him the ideal choice to lead India’s T20I team. “He always carries a smile, even after a big innings. He’s light-hearted but focused, much like Jasprit Bumrah in Test cricket,” Manjrekar noted.
The Role of Coaching in His Captaincy
Manjrekar also emphasized the importance of a strong coaching team to support Yadav’s leadership. “In T20 cricket, external inputs from coaches are crucial. If he gets the right guidance, he can be a great long-term leader. I’m eager to see if he has any say in team selection because I’d love to see players like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and even Varun Chakravarthy getting opportunities,” he added.
With Suryakumar Yadav at the helm, Indian T20 cricket is entering a new era, and his leadership will be closely watched as he shapes the team for the future.
