During a recent event in Hyderabad, India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, openly shared his biggest regret in his illustrious cricketing career: never having the chance to play under the iconic MS Dhoni’s captaincy for the national team. The 35-year-old, who debuted internationally in 2021 under Virat Kohli, reflected on his journey from domestic cricket to leading India’s T20 side and the distinct leadership styles he’s encountered.
Yadav, fresh off leading India to an Asia Cup victory in Dubai, conveyed his disappointment about missing out on playing for the national side under Dhoni, despite having faced him numerous times in the Indian Premier League.
“I always hoped for an opportunity to play when he was India’s captain, but it never materialized,” Suryakumar explained. “However, I often observed him from behind the stumps when playing against him. He exuded an incredible calmness. One crucial lesson I absorbed from watching him was the ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations, to assess the game thoroughly, and then make a calculated decision.”
Suryakumar’s path to international cricket was a patient one. He started his domestic career with Mumbai in 2010, enduring over a decade before finally making his international debut.
His first international appearance came in 2021 under Virat Kohli’s captaincy against England in Ahmedabad, a match where he didn’t get an opportunity to bat.
Describing Kohli’s leadership, Suryakumar remarked, “I believe I made my debut under Virat bhai. He is an exceptionally demanding leader. He constantly pushes you to your limits, always striving for the best. While all captains seek peak performance from their players, Virat was uniquely energetic both on and off the field.”
Rohit Sharma has also played a pivotal role in shaping Suryakumar’s career, both with the Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. Yadav was a key member of the squad that clinched the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados, where he famously took the match-winning catch.
Commenting on Rohit’s approach to captaincy, Suryakumar noted, “Then there’s Rohit bhai, under whom I’ve played a significant amount of cricket for both the IPL franchise and India. He’s someone who effortlessly makes everyone feel comfortable around him, serving as a true inspiration for all youngsters. His door was always open, 24/7, for anyone needing guidance. That’s a unique quality I’ve learned from him and other captains alike.”
Yadav’s consistent high-level performances eventually earned him the captaincy of India’s T20I team, succeeding Rohit Sharma. His journey from a promising domestic player to leading the national T20 side is a testament to his dedication and evolution in Indian cricket.
Under his leadership, India recently celebrated an Asia Cup triumph in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning captaincy career. His distinctive, unorthodox batting style and innovative strokeplay have become his signature traits since his arrival on the international stage.