Don’t just want to be a Captain; I want to be a leader: Suryakumar Yadav

The T20I setup has seen a seamless transformation in terms of squad composition and previous results for Team India. Their latest triumph was a commanding seven-wicket win in the first T20I of the five-match series against England. Apart from the latest T20 World Cup win in 2024, they have been a force to reckon with in bilateral series as well. 

A lot of this can be attributed to how dynamic batter, Suryakumar Yadav, has led the side. In a recent discussion, he discussed his long-term aspirations with the 20-over format. He laid emphasis on following the basics for himself and the team. Moreover, he opined that enjoying the game while on the field was also as important.

"I feel I don’t just want to be a captain; I want to be a leader. If we want to achieve something as a group, everyone has to be on the same page. These are the small things I keep telling them - the basics, good habits to follow on the ground, and off the field. And when you step onto the ground, just leave your body and enjoy what’s happening," shared Suryakumar while speaking exclusively on Star Sports' Superstars.

It was fun and a very special feeling: Suryakumar

Furthermore, Suryakumar Yadav also recounted the time when he was informed by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) regarding the decision. Besides, he also added that after getting the good news from the apex cricket governing body of the country, his family was ecstatic and he spent quality time with them.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya taking the new ball gives me opportunity to play three spinners: Suryakumar Yadav

"It was an emotional moment. I called my family, and we had a nice chat. Then I took a deep breath, felt that moment, and celebrated. We sat at home, cooked some food - with the help of my wife - and enjoyed the evening. It was fun and a very special feeling," added Suryakumar.

For the unversed, Suryakumar has a pretty notable record as skipper of the T20I side - both in terms of the team's overall performance and his own with the willow. India have won 15 out of the 18 T20Is they have played under the leadership of the explosive batter. In the 17 innings he has featured, he has scored 530 runs at a whopping strike rate of 165.10.