Skipper Suryakumar Yadav steps out on Pallekele field ahead of T20Is against Sri Lanka

As the Indian cricket team landed in Sri Lanka for their upcoming three-match T20I and ODI series, all eyes were on the newly appointed T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav.

The dynamic batter, known for his unorthodox style, led the team to their first practice session at the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian T20 cricket.

The decision to hand over the T20I captaincy to Yadav comes as part of a significant transition in Indian cricket. Following the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hardik Pandya was the vice-captain, but the selectors have now opted for a change, looking ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026. 

As the team made their way to the ground, a video captured skipper Suryakumar and pacer Mohammed Siraj leading the pack, followed by their teammates.

The practice session was particularly significant as it marked the first assignment for the newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir. The former Indian opener took over the role from Rahul Dravid. Suryakumar's appointment as captain isn't just about leadership; it's also an opportunity for him to register his name in the record books.

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The prolific batter is on the verge of a remarkable achievement, needing just 158 runs to surpass Rohit Sharma and become India's highest run-scorer against Sri Lanka in T20Is. With 254 runs from five innings at an impressive average of 63.50, including a century and two fifties, Suryakumar is well-positioned to achieve this feat during the upcoming series.

India squad vs Sri Lanka for 3 T20Is

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.