Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

Team India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has registered a clean sheet in the T20I matches he has captained so far in recent past. The Indian middle-order batter, who took over the reins after Rohit Sharma retired from the shortest format after taking India to the T20 World Cup title in June 2024 in Barbados, has won 15 T20Is out of 18 matches.

In the most recent one, India registered a comfortable seven-wicket win over England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. Seeing this, a lot can be attributed to how Suryakumar Yadav has led his side. In a recent discussion with Star Sports, Suryakumar Yadav spoke at length of his aspirations in the shortest format of the game.

I don’t just want to be a captain; I want to be a leader: Suryakumar Yadav

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports’ Superstars, SKY emphasised on following the basics for himself and the team as he looks to become a leader. "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," he said.

The 34-year-old also reiterated his reaction when he was informed of being named the captain of the Indian cricket team. "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.

The 34-year-old will be taking the field on Saturday, as India host England in the second T20I of the five-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, January 25.