COIMBATORE: The recent T20I series in Sri Lanka marked a significant new chapter for both Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir. It was the start of Gambhir’s tenure as India’s T20I coach and Suryakumar’s journey as the permanent captain in the shortest format. The duo began their partnership on a high note, guiding India to a clean 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka.
Suryakumar, one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, thrived under Gambhir’s leadership, adopting bold tactics that paid off. In the third and final match, Suryakumar’s out-of-the-box thinking helped India secure an unlikely victory, showcasing his maturity as captain. He credited Gambhir for creating an environment that fosters self-expression and confidence among players.
“Gambhir has given us a free hand to express ourselves,” Suryakumar said. “He understands each player’s game, knows what we need both on the field and during practice sessions. His trust in us has been incredible.”
Suryakumar, currently representing Mumbai in the Buchi Babu tournament, emphasized the importance of open communication within the team. “When we come together as a team, it’s crucial that we discuss everyone’s ideas. Gambhir encourages us to do that, which allows us to be ourselves on the field,” he added.
While Suryakumar has been a mainstay in India’s T20I lineup for the last three-and-a-half years, breaking into the Test team has been more elusive. His only Test appearance came against Australia in Nagpur in February 2023. However, Suryakumar remains determined to secure a spot in the red-ball squad, despite the stiff competition.
“There are a lot of players who have worked hard to be in the Test squad, and I want to earn my place,” he said. “I made my Test debut, but injuries sidelined me. The players who have had opportunities since then have performed well and deserve their place. But I’m focused on getting back.”
Suryakumar’s commitment to red-ball cricket has been unwavering since his state debut. “Red-ball cricket has always been my priority,” he affirmed. “It’s a challenging format that requires you to be one step ahead. The intent, body language, and approach are key. If you succeed, stay humble. If not, return to the basics and work harder.”
As Suryakumar continues to lead in T20s and sharpen his red-ball game, he remains motivated to contribute across formats, blending his aggressive style with a calculated approach to excel in the longer format.
